Young Colombian inventor Mariana Pérez pioneered a revolutionary system that captures hazardous air pollutants and converts them into biodegradable raw materials, drawing inspiration from human respiratory anatomy, according to Euronews.
Colombia faces severe air pollution challenges, with 99.3% of its population exposed to air quality exceeding WHO guidelines. Against this backdrop, Pérez founded Ecol-Air at just 27, developing technology that mimics lungs through artificial “bronchioles” and “alveoli” to absorb not only carbon dioxide but also nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, gases directly linked to respiratory illnesses.
My invention is just like a giant vacuum that captures a volume of air and puts it through this system and breaks down all the contaminants into a tank.
Installed on industrial chimneys or as standalone purification stations, the system breaks down toxins into biodegradable polymers suitable for sustainable packaging, tiles, or bags. “We transform pollutants into usable raw materials,” she emphasises, noting her motivation stemmed from recognising that “air is as important as water.”
After initial manufacturer scepticism, Pérez offered free installations to demonstrate efficacy. Industrial partners Sumicol and Incolmotos Yamaha became early adopters, leading to Girardota’s inaugural air treatment plant in 2021.
All the world needs to purify air. Our invention is at Commercial Readiness Level 9 – fully operative and market-ready.
Her innovation directly advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Health), 11 (Sustainable Cities), and 13 (Climate Action).
