Bromalgae, a Biscayan environmental biotechnology company, has developed an artificial tree that cleans the atmosphere as effectively as planting about 1000 trees. The inaugural unit was installed in Barakaldo, serving as a prototype created at the Ezkerraldea Business and Innovation Center, known as BIC Ezkerraldea. The device operates on microalgae and their natural cleaning properties, turning polluted air into a healthier environment through a compact, engineered structure.
Dubbed GarbiAir, this metal tree embodies a plant spirit and has demonstrated tangible reductions in greenhouse gases. It targets pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which are major contributors to urban air pollution. The design centers on living microalgae that drive the purification process.
Inside the unit, a carefully prepared aqueous suspension contains diverse nutrients that sustain microalgae, including the species Chlorella vulgaris. These microalgae capture polluted air via photosynthesis. Air is circulated through a conical tank where light—either sunlight or LED illumination—drives photosynthesis. The process releases clean oxygen back into the atmosphere, much like plants do in nature and in hydroponic systems.
Data visible through sensors
Thanks to integrated sensors, the artificial tree can be monitored and controlled in real time. The system provides precise information about the percentage of pollutant gases removed from the air. The company offers cloud-based applications that allow authorized users to track performance and operation, providing ongoing transparency about the device’s impact.
Barakaldo marks the first installation of this technology, with Bromalgae highlighting GarbiAir as the flagship model for future deployments. The early unit serves as a proof of concept and a beacon for air quality improvements in urban spaces.
The artificial tree comes in two sizes. The smaller version has a volume of 0.3 cubic meters and can achieve the same purification effect as about 249 young trees or 59 ten-year-old trees. The larger model expands to 1.2 cubic meters of volume and can handle the air-cleaning load equivalent to roughly 1,000 young trees or 236 ten-year-old trees. Bromalgae notes that GarbiAir consumes less than 2 kilowatts per hour, underscoring its efficiency in public environments.
Through photosynthesis, the microalgae convert the captured pollutants into nutrients that sustain their growth. As a byproduct, oxygen is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to a healthier air cycle in urban settings.
The company envisions GarbiAir as a versatile feature in public spaces. Its installation possibilities span parks, shopping centers, educational campuses, parking facilities, and cinemas. The design focuses on seamless integration into everyday environments where people live, work, and learn.
GarbiAir represents a practical example of how biotechnology and urban design can intersect to improve air quality without resorting to heavy industrial changes. The system demonstrates that living organisms, when properly managed, can participate in the maintenance of cleaner air while occupying a minimal footprint in crowded cities.
In practical terms, the technology offers a transparent, scalable approach to addressing urban pollution. Real-time sensor data helps city planners and operators assess impact, optimize placement, and plan lines of sight for community education about air quality improvements. The project embodies a forward-looking model for environmentally minded communities seeking to combine science with accessible public spaces.
Overall, GarbiAir presents a compelling vision of how microalgae-based systems could complement traditional strategies for reducing emissions. By turning negative air into breathable oxygen, the device illustrates a creative path toward healthier cities. While still in its early stages, the Barakaldo installation demonstrates the potential to expand this approach to neighborhoods, campuses, and municipal centers across North America and beyond.
Notes on deployment emphasize the look and feel of integration into urban landscapes, along with straightforward maintenance practices and energy efficiency. The objective remains clear: to provide a scalable, observable method for cutting pollution while preserving green space and improving the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.
Access to the environmental department is handled through standard channels, ensuring that interested parties can learn about ongoing developments and potential collaborations within a framework that prioritizes safety, transparency, and measurable outcomes.