Pittsburgh International Airport’s xBridge, AlgenAir Team Up to Unveil Giant Algae Air Purifier to Reduce Carbon Dioxide, Increase Oxygen in Terminal

The xBridge at Pittsburgh International Airport and AlgenAir have teamed up for cleaner, more sustainable air purification – and it’s powered by algae.

 AlgenAir Inc., creators of the aerium consumer natural air purifier, recently scaled their patent-pending technology to build their first commercial-sized version known as aerium Living Technology. While the consumer product can reduce carbon dioxide and increase oxygen as effectively as 25 plants, the commercial size in the airport is expected to have the photosynthetic capacity of over 5,000 plants.

 This installation is a project facilitated by Pittsburgh International Airport’s xBridge Innovation Center, the airport’s tech proving ground for technologies and startups that solve for needs in the industry and beyond. Drawing from the region’s strong innovation economy, the airport is a proof-of-concept site for technologies in a real-world operating environment as well as a pilot site for companies’ first deployments.

 “The xBridge at PIT is representative of Pittsburgh’s thriving tech economy,” said Cole Wolfson, xBridge Director. “We’re excited to partner with AlgenAir on the proof-of-concept for aerium Living Technology as we work to increase clean energy and decarbonization options.”

 The aerium was installed Monday afternoon in baggage claim to coincide with the Global Clean Energy Action Forum, which begins Sept. 21, bringing thousands of energy leaders, academics and government officials from around the world to Pittsburgh, to discuss pressing issues such as climate change, energy security and decarbonization.

 The company plans to do several pilots in various locations throughout the Pittsburgh region before launching the commercial unit for sale in 2024.

 Aerium Living Technology details

·        The aerium Living Technology stands approximately 8 feet tall and holds over 100 gallons of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis).

·        This unit has the photosynthetic capacity of more than 5,000 plants to reduce carbon dioxide accumulation indoors and produce oxygen.

·        Algae grown in the system will be recycled as fertilizer for plants in and around the airport.