Algae air purifier

BioFresh is a lowcost,ecofriendly air purifier using microalgae to absorb CO₂,release oxygen, and improve indoor air quality. With real-time sensors,it offers a smart and sustainable cleanair solution

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Inspiration

The idea for this project came from observing how algae naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Seeing rising air-quality issues in homes, classrooms, and hostels, I wanted to create a natural, low-cost, and sustainable air-purification system. The thought that a simple living organism could actively clean the air inspired me to experiment with algae as a bio-solution.

What it does

It uses microalgae to absorb CO₂, release oxygen, and naturally purify indoor air while sensors monitor and maintain healthy algae growth.

How we built it

  1. Selected a fast-growing algae strain suitable for indoor environments

  2. Designed a transparent chamber for algae growth and easy light penetration

  3. Added LED grow lights to maintain stable light intensity

  4. Integrated low-cost sensors (CO₂, temperature, humidity, pH) connected to ESP32

  5. Set up a small air pump to circulate indoor air through the algae chamber

  6. Built a simple dashboard to monitor air-quality changes

  7. Tested different algae densities to find the most efficient purification rate

Challenges we ran into

Finding affordable sensors within a tight budget

Maintaining stable temperature and pH levels for algae growth

The algae sometimes produced odour, so I tested different strains and filtration methods

Preventing contamination inside the algae chamber

Balancing light intensity: too little slowed growth, too much caused overheating

Despite these challenges, each problem taught me how to improve the design and move closer to a functional, eco-friendly air purifier.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Built a working algae-based purifier using simple, low-cost materials

Successfully reduced CO₂ levels and increased oxygen in test environments

Integrated sensors and ESP32 to monitor air quality in real time

Achieved stable algae growth with controlled light and airflow

Created an eco-friendly, sustainable purification system without chemical filters

What we learned

During this project, I learned:

How microalgae grow, reproduce, and perform photosynthesis

How CO₂, O₂, temperature, pH, and humidity affect algae metabolism

How to use basic sensors with an ESP32 to monitor environmental conditions

Designing a small bioreactor and setting up LED light cycles for healthy algae growth

How natural systems can work with technology to solve real problems

What's next for Algae air purifier

Improve purification speed by testing different algae species

Add automatic nutrient and water circulation system for algae maintenance

Develop a mobile app for live air-quality monitoring and alerts

Design a compact and attractive purifier model for homes and classrooms

Integrate solar power to make the system fully energy-efficient

Conduct long-term testing for performance, odour control, and durability

Explore patenting and turning the prototype into a commercial eco-product

Built With

  • air-pump
  • algae-chamber-platforms-&-tools:-arduino-ide
  • blynk-/-thingspeak
  • co?-sensor
  • firebase-(optional)-technologies:-iot-dashboard
  • languages:-c/c++-(arduino)
  • ph-sensor-electronics:-led-grow-lights
  • python-hardware:-esp32
  • sensor-data-api
  • serial
  • temperature-&-humidity-sensor
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