Human Lungs Filter Carbon Dioxide Efficiently

Function

Human lungs conduct an efficient exchange of gases by taking in oxygen from the air and releasing carbon dioxide. Each lung contains bronchial tubes that branch out towards bunches of small round alveoli (air sacs) wrapped in capillaries. The membranes that separate the alveoli from blood vessels are extremely thin—less than 1μm thick. The membranes quickly remove carbon dioxide from the blood stream and bring it into the alveoli. Alveoli have a combined surface area the size of a tennis court, which allows them to conduct this gas exchange extremely efficiently. An enzyme known as carbonic anhydrase also aids carbon dioxide removal, increasing removal speed by 1000 times.

Functional Classification

Transfer/Dispose/Circulate:
Removal
Form/Organization/System:
Decomposition

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Technical Application

Lungs’ ability to remove carbon dioxide has been used to develop artificial membranes that filter over 90% of carbon dioxide from gas streams.

Products and Services

  • Carbozyme, Inc.’s artificial membranes, which filter over 90% of carbon dioxide from gas streams.

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

Gas exchange in lungs could inspire technologies that filter and remove carbon dioxide from exhaust emitted by facilities such as factories and thermal power stations.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style