Citeuropass 2023 - 1st wave
Nature's Air Quality Monitor
08. 12. 2023
Co-authors
- Branislav Kučerík (Slovakia)
- Hristijana Stoimenova (Bulgaria)
- Jean Pierre Buyoya (France)
- Cristina Ionela Bulat (Roumania)
Project Overview:
The Lichen Based Screen is an innovative, eco-friendly solution developed by students as part of the Citeuropass program. This project aims to create an interactive screen that changes color in response to air quality, utilizing lichens as natural bioindicators.
The Challenge:
Urban air pollution is a growing concern, affecting health and quality of life. Traditional air quality monitoring systems are often expensive, energy-intensive, and inaccessible to the general public. There’s a need for affordable, sustainable, and engaging solutions to raise awareness about air quality.
Our Solution:
The Lichen Based Screen harnesses the natural sensitivity of lichens to air pollutants. This biological approach offers a visually striking, low-tech alternative to electronic air quality sensors, aligning with Citeuropass’s focus on frugal innovations that use “life as technology”.
Key Features:
- Eco-friendly: Uses living organisms as natural sensors
- Low-maintenance: Lichens are resilient and require minimal care
- Engaging: Visual changes make air quality tangible to observers
- Sustainable: Minimal environmental impact and energy use
- Frugal: Utilizes readily available materials and natural processes
How It Works:
- Lichens are cultivated on a specially designed screen structure.
- The screen is placed in an area where air quality monitoring is desired.
- Lichens change color or growth patterns in response to air pollutants.
- Observers can visually track air quality changes over time.
The Team:
The Lichen Based Screen was developed by a collaborative team of students from various European countries, demonstrating the power of cross-cultural innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
Impact and Future Potential:
This project showcases how frugal innovation can contribute to environmental awareness and community engagement. By making air quality monitoring visually accessible, the Lichen Based Screen has the potential to inspire eco-friendly practices and policy changes in urban areas across Europe and beyond.
Learn More:
For a comprehensive overview of the Lichen Based Screen project, including detailed technical specifications, research methodology, and potential applications, please consult our full documentation:
