A group of students from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia has developed a prototype, “Ecuid-Tree,” which is an innovative effort to address indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution by combining Spirulina algae and Guppy fish with an Arduino Uno-based automated system.
The “Ecuid-Tree” is a specially designed, eco-friendly solution for the reduction of CO2 in enclosed spaces, as in offices and laboratories. It all evolves around a jar with efficient photosynthesis/CO2 absorption of Spirulina and Guppy fish that ensure the rise of a micro-ecosystem supportive of algal growth.
“We would like to create a system that absorbs CO2 and at the same time creates added value in terms of ecology. Spirulina and Guppy can offer this through an integrated natural solution,” explained Salsabila, the leader of the team.
The system relies on Arduino Uno in the management of automatic cycles of light-balance, nutrient, and water movement—ingredients vital to the health of both algae and fish. “This system ensures that conditions within the prototype remain optimal for both organisms,” said De Shila.
This team received valuable support from their supervising lecturer, Prof. Topik Hidayat, Ph.D., who provided technical guidance on the project. “We are very grateful for Prof. Topik’s support that helped direct this project with deep scientific and technical insight,” Revalina said.
The members are from different fields of study, which helps in working on the prototype. Students Salsabila Yasyfa Khairunnisa, De Shila Syailinda Maulida, and Revalina Caroline Tomasowa from the Biology Program were instrumental in the biological and ecosystem aspects of the prototype. Khrisna Wahyu Wibisono from the Computer Science Education Program gave expertise in the automated control system, and Yosep Jeremi from the Mechanical Engineering Program applied engineering knowledge in designing and building the hardware.
It follows that this innovation is bound to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), in terms of reducing CO2 concentration and promoting nature-based solutions to support global efforts on climate change and environmental protection.
It also supports the vision of “Indonesia Emas 2045,” whereby Indonesia will become a developed nation with good environmental quality while being supported by innovative technology. Thus, inventing environmentally friendly technological solutions like “Ecuid-Tree” shall support Indonesian efforts to become the leader in sustainability and green technology.
While the prototype itself provides a solution to indoor air pollution, it proposes something new—the concept of how technology and biology can work together, merge, and evolve into sustainable solutions. In addition, the project presents a case for additional research study in the future to develop technology-based biosorption systems applicable for different environmental uses.
The student team hopes that their innovation will spur further research and development in this field, inspiring new solutions for the management of air quality. They have also planned to further test and refine the prototype for a wider application across different environments.
A successful project promises a cleaner, more sustainable future, bringing us closer to solutions for the pressing global environment challenges and supporting Indonesia’s vision for 2045.