Algae Lamp Absorbs CO2

A tube of glowing green algae could reduce energy costs and clean up the environment at the same time. Invented by a French biochemist, the lamps are designed to improve air quality inside and out through the process of photosynthesis.

Microalgae are among the oldest life forms on earth. They are capable of absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and at the same time they produce nearly half of the oxygen present in the atmosphere. Inside the tube-shaped lamp, algae is illuminated by a light source to activate the process of photosynthesis. A single algae lamp is capable of absorbing as much carbon dioxide as 150 to 200 trees per year – or approximately one ton of the “greenhouse gas.” When combined with solar power capabilities, the lamps could even be made to run using no electricity at all.

Other products from microalgae that are already in commercial use include vitamin supplements, cosmetics and biofuels. Prototypes of the algae-based lights are currently undergoing testing in France.