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Published on: August 14, 2020
A Critical Review on Microalgae-Enhanced Fountain Landscapes for Urban Carbon Capture
Ling Wang1, Mingjing Zhang2,3, Chenba Zhu2,4,5
1Technology Innovation Centre for Exploitation of Marine Biological Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
Microorganisms
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Retrofitting urban fountains into microalgae cultivation systems offers a cost-effective strategy for carbon capture and public engagement. This innovative approach enhances carbon literacy and promotes climate action in cities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Carbon-neutral cities require integrated strategies for carbon capture, sustainable infrastructure, and public engagement.
- Microalgae systems show potential for CO2 sequestration but face scalability challenges due to high costs and energy-intensive designs.
- Existing urban fountains represent underutilized infrastructure with potential for ecological and social integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze the feasibility of retrofitting urban fountains into microalgae cultivation systems.
- To develop an integrated solution that combines ecological carbon sequestration with public engagement for climate action.
- To establish a replicable framework for scalable urban deployment of microalgae-enhanced landscapes.
Main Methods:
- Conceptualizing microalgae-enhanced fountain landscapes by retrofitting existing urban fountains.
- Utilizing advanced fountain-style cultivation technology to improve biomass productivity.
- Synthesizing recent advances in microalgae cultivation, building-integrated photobioreactors, and landscape design.
- Analyzing multi-stakeholder value creation and the system's feasibility.
Main Results:
- The proposed system minimizes deployment costs by leveraging existing fountain infrastructure.
- Advanced cultivation technology enhances microalgae biomass productivity.
- Strategic urban placement facilitates public engagement, increasing carbon literacy and motivating behavioral shifts.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae-enhanced fountain landscapes offer a scalable, cost-effective solution for urban carbon mitigation and resource recovery.
- This integrated approach bridges technological carbon capture with vital civic education for participatory climate action.
- The framework promotes multi-stakeholder value, advancing circular resource flows and climate resilience in cities.
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