In Viesturdārzs, a new air quality improvement project has been launched, featuring an innovative moss display created by scientists from Riga Technical University (RTU). This display utilizes moss placed on old solar panels to act as a natural filter, effectively reducing the presence of PM2.5 fine dust particles in the urban environment. The project is rooted in sustainable practices by repurposing outdated solar panels, thus promoting the principles of circular economy and material reuse.

The moss surfaces have demonstrated an ability to attract fine particulate matter, which poses health risks to humans upon inhalation. This underscores the practicality and importance of integrating natural elements within urban infrastructure to combat air pollution. With the inclusion of sensors, the display continuously measures the quantity of dust in the air and tracks the collected particles, providing valuable data for ongoing and future research into air quality solutions.

This initiative is a collaborative effort among RTU scientists, local partners, and international collaborators, receiving funding from the European Union’s Recovery Fund as well as contributions from companies like 'Rīgas meži' and 'Ecodoma'. The data generated through this project will be critical in evaluating the effectiveness of the moss filter and exploring its potential applications in other settings, representing a significant step towards cleaner urban living environments in Latvia and beyond.