Pollution — the very inconvenience that irritates us today and possibly even more so tomorrow. Everything is connected to it: from global warming to climate change, ocean acidification to biodiversity loss, health issues to whatnot.

But what if I were to tell you that the solution to all of these problems lies in something we dismiss as “pond waste”? That, with enough development, algae fields could replace trees in reducing air pollution.

Sounds like absolute gibberish, right?

But no! Scientists are beginning to rediscover algae — not just as a food harvested by ancient Chinese civilizations, but as one of nature’s most powerful tools to fight air and water pollution.

Modern researchers are now uncovering various species of algae that can even survive in complete darkness. Although they don't conduct photosynthesis, which essentially requires light, they adapt in different ways:

• They become heterotrophic — consuming food from the outside, just like you and me. Their diet consists of sugars and organic molecules, or basically whatever they can find around them.
• They can even stop this process of photosynthesising for quite a long time. Days and even weeks pass as they slow down their metabolism.

Recently, a German expedition went to Cantabria in 2024 and discovered a new type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that forms a limestone-like barrier on its cell walls. This helps reduce the CO₂ released outside and allows the photosynthesis process to last longer.

But how do these new species help us? Well, think about it. Now, algae is not just limited to upper surfaces and light. It can also be used in closed tanks — even in industrial zones where light is minimal.

Yes — in those very zones where hazardous substances are emitted into the air, these unique species can help clear out CO₂, NO, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, all the while producing oxygen.

It is estimated that phytoplankton (a type of microscopic algae) are responsible for producing at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

And that’s only one benefit. Algae also helps clean water. It is used in wastewater treatment systems as a natural filter, removing harmful substances like nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and toxins by absorbing them.

Moreover, algae is used as fertilizer for soil. When mixed into the ground, it provides plants with essential nutrients that support growth. It also improves water retention and promotes overall soil health.

Another use of algae is in the creation of biochar — a black carbon-rich compound made by heating organic materials in the absence of oxygen. This locks in the carbon that would otherwise be released as CO₂, helping to reduce pollution.

In North Carolina, USA, a company called BioMason is using microorganisms, including microalgae, to manufacture sustainable “algae-infused bricks” — also known as “bio-concrete”. The bricks are formed through a natural process in which algae-based bacteria, when mixed with calcium ions, produce calcium carbonate, a compound that acts as a natural cementing agent.

This method eliminates the need for traditional kiln firing, a process known to emit harmful gases. By using this process, BioMason makes bricks that are not only environmentally friendly but also energy-efficient. If adopted on a global scale, this technology would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the cement industry, which is currently responsible for an estimated 8% of global CO₂ emissions. (BioMason)

In Hamburg, Germany, a company developed the world’s first algae-powered building, known as the BIQ House. This innovative structure features glass panels filled with microalgae on its exterior.

These algae perform photosynthesis, producing biomass that can later be converted into biofuel — a clean, renewable energy source. As the algae grow denser, the panels darken, providing natural insulation and reducing the building’s dependence on air-conditioning.

This results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously allowing the algae to absorb CO₂ from the environment. Although the cost of this bio-integrated architecture remains high, the BIQ House presents a viable model for combining urban design with sustainable energy. (Arup, 2013)

Another exciting initiative comes from Notpla, a London-based startup that has developed a biodegradable, algae-based alternative to plastic packaging. Using brown seaweed, the company has created products like edible water pouches, takeaway boxes and sachets.

Unlike regular plastic, this material decomposes naturally within weeks and leaves behind no microplastic residue. Notpla’s algae-plastic is a breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution. This eco-friendly solution is already being used by companies like Just Eat, Unilever, and at sports events like the London Marathon. Although the product is still limited in scale and affordability, it marks a huge step forward. (Notpla)

Earlier, I mentioned how replacing forests with algae fields may sound unrealistic — but emerging science suggests it’s entirely possible.

Finally, Pond Technologies, a Canadian biotech firm, has introduced large-scale algae bio-farms adjacent to industrial zones. These farms capture CO₂ emissions and use them as feedstock for algae cultivation.

Through photosynthesis, the algae convert CO₂ into biomass, which can be processed into biofuel, animal feed, or even fertilizers. This closed-loop system not only reduces atmospheric pollution but also transforms waste into valuable, marketable products. It is a realistic and scalable solution to tackling industrial contributions to climate change. (Pond Technologies)

Then again, of course, all this green innovation doesn’t come for free. “Everything comes with a cost.” And how true that saying is.

Even using pond waste has its costs — the cost of money, time, land, and water. There’s also the risk of nutrient imbalance in soil or overgrowth of harmful algae.

But with enough development, these problems can be managed. Innovations in biotechnology are already helping create algae strains that are more adaptable and efficient.

In the end, I believe we must return to the small things. Today, it's overlooked algae. Tomorrow it may be something else. What matters most are these small moments — the things we ignore that hold the most potential.

We must come together and stop obsessing over only the big pieces and bold dreams. Instead, we must truly look around us — appreciate how far we’ve come and how much we already have that goes unseen.

The things that we take for granted today are the dreams of someone else. So let this be a lesson in curiosity and gratitude. Strike at the biggest problems like pollution with the smallest solutions you already own — like algae.