Algae-Grown Limestone

Many researchers are looking for carbon-neutral solutions that can be implemented across industries—from production and manufacturing to building and consumption. This goal comes as climate change continues to wreak havoc, especially on vulnerable populations and animals.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder recently developed a carbon-neutral solution for concrete as a building material that has the potential to be "even carbon-negative." In other to do so, the researchers harnessed the power of algae. Through photosynthesis, microalgae naturally produce limestone. The researchers found a way to harness biogenic limestone in place of quarried limestone which is a component of portland cement.

While the current state of the algae-grown limestone is carbon-neutral, the innovative material has the potential to become carbon-negative "if the additional ground limestone, typically added to the mixture as a 'filter material,' is also replaced by the algae-grown alternative."

Image Credit: Glenn Asakawa/CU Boulder