Nov

Utilizing moss based structures to mitigate air pollution and climate change with establishing community awareness.

This project addresses urban air pollution while fostering community involvement. Four biofilter panels incorporating moss have been designed and installed along Old Galaha Road at the University of Peradeniya, a high-traffic area with elevated particulate matter (PM) levels. These panels aim to reduce PM pollution and enhance CO2 capture, and while research to measure filtration efficiency is ongoing, preliminary data confirms the site’s high PM concentration, highlighting the intervention’s necessity. Complementing the biofilter installation, the project emphasizes community engagement through clean-up initiatives along key conservation areas and awareness programs at Rasindev College and on social media. These efforts educate the public on natural pollution control and climate resilience. By combining practical solutions with community education, the project promotes environmental responsibility and provides a scalable model for tackling urban air pollution.

Our project has already generated substantial impact through both environmental action and community engagement. Although the research on moss biofilter panels is ongoing, initial air quality assessments along Old Galaha Road confirm high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), emphasizing the need for our intervention. The expected outcome is a significant reduction in airborne pollutants once filtration data is finalized, positioning the panels as a sustainable solution to urban air pollution. Beyond the direct environmental benefits, our project has made a tangible impact through community service. Clean-up initiatives along the Knuckles Conservation Coberts Gap to Deanston Meemure Road and Chariot Path have helped preserve sensitive ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and raising awareness of the need for conservation in high-risk areas. Furthermore, our community awareness programs, including school sessions at Rasindev College and social media outreach, have educated hundreds about the benefits of using natural biofilters like moss to mitigate air pollution. These activities foster environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term behavioral change and a stronger commitment to climate resilience. The project’s combined focus on research, environmental restoration, and public education lays the groundwork for scalable urban pollution control measures with lasting community impact.

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