Page 167 - Demo

1674.1 Lichen Pollution Sensorconcern linked to the disposal of electronic devices. This is particularlyimportant in a world that increasingly relies on electronics, where the resultantelectronic waste often contains hazardous materials that can lead to soil andwater contamination.The use of lichens also introduces an element of biodegradability to the sensordesign. In contrast to conventional sensors, which contribute to landfill wasteat the end of their lifecycle, the lichen-based sensor can be disposed of in away that minimises harm to the environment. As lichens naturally degrade overtime, they return to the environment without introducing harmful pollutants ornon-degradable waste. This aligns with principles of the circular economy,promoting less wasteful consumption of resources.Another key ecological impact is the project%u2019s potential for promotingbiodiversity. By focusing on lichens and showcasing their utility in pollutiondetection, the project indirectly encourages the study and conservation of theseorganisms. This can lead to increased awareness and appreciation for lichenbiodiversity, potentially sparking interest in the preservation of these and otherunderstudied species.Overall, the Lichen Pollution Sensor project demonstrates how innovative,frugal technology can make significant contributions to the ecological transition.It serves as a benchmark for future projects seeking to balance technologicalinnovation with environmental sustainability, illustrating that we can harness thepower of nature to create solutions that are not only effective, but also kind toour planet.Open-source contributionThe project utilises the Raspberry Pi Pico, a microcontroller developed by theRaspberry Pi Foundation. The Raspberry Pi Pico is open-source, meaning itsdesign files and schematics are freely accessible and can be modified ordistributed under certain licences. Open-source tools and technologies oftenstimulate innovation and collaborative efforts within the community, makingyour project part of a larger movement towards openness and transparency intechnology development.The aspect of your project involving lichens as bioindicators is deeply rootedin environmental conservation and scientific research. Lichens are a symbioticrelationship between algae and fungi, and they receive all their nutrients fromthe atmosphere, making them highly sensitive to atmospheric pollution such asnitrogen deposition. This sensitivity allows scientists to monitor changes inlichen communities as an indicator of environmental health and pollution levels.This concept of using lichens as bioindicators is already used in practice byseveral organisations. For example, scientists who monitor the health of lichensand pair this bio-monitoring data with atmospheric deposition data from the