Page 166 - Demo

Biotechnology applicationIn our Lichen Pollution Sensor project, we embraced an innovative approachto biotechnology by harnessing the natural properties of lichens as bioindicatorsof air pollution. This approach relies on the well-documented sensitivity oflichens to changes in air quality, making them an ideal choice for our frugalsensor.The mechanics of this application are relatively straightforward. We leveragedthe inherent growth response of lichens to the presence of air pollutants. Inclean air conditions, lichens thrive and grow, eventually contacting twomechanical pencil leads that form an electronic switch. This switch closuresignifies a %u201chealthy%u201d air quality index. On the contrary, in polluted air conditions,lichen growth is stunted or non-existent, thus the electronic switch remainsopen, indicating a %u201cpolluted%u201d air quality index.Moreover, we utilised the differential sensitivity of various lichen species tospecific air pollutants. By assigning different species to different microcontrollerpins, we created an array of biological sensors that not only indicate thepresence of pollution but also provide a %u201csignature%u201d of the types of pollutantspresent. This method has never been employed in the Internet of things (IoT)before, marking a significant innovation in biotechnology applications.Importantly, this project underscores our commitment to using %u201clife astechnology%u201d as a solution to addressing impending challenges in Europe, suchas resource shortages in the production of electronic components. Itdemonstrates how we can leverage existing, natural biological processes in anovel and cost-effective way, aligning perfectly with the principles of frugaltechnology.The practicality, affordability, and accessibility of this application serve as atestament to the power of frugal biotechnology, offering a sustainable alternativeto conventional electronic sensors and contributing to the democratisation oftechnology.Ecological impactThe Lichen Pollution Sensor project delivers substantial ecological impactthrough its innovative use of natural resources, the reduction of electroniccomponents, and its biodegradability. It is a testament to the power of frugaltechnology, offering a sustainable and ecologically-friendly alternative toconventional electronic sensors.A significant aspect of the project%u2019s ecological impact lies in its use of lichens,a natural bioindicator. By incorporating these organisms into the design of thepollution sensor, the project decreases the reliance on the electroniccomponents that are typically required in conventional sensors. This reductioncontributes to lower electronic waste production, a major environmental1664 Frugal Project Documentation