livingmachine

Livingmachine is a term used to describe engineered systems that integrate living organisms with mechanical components to perform tasks that otherwise require conventional equipment. Originally associated with ecological design and bioremediation, living machines typically use sequential stages that mimic natural wetlands: pre-treatment, aerobic and anaerobic reactors, and a final polishing stage with wetland plants and microbial biofilms.

Water flows by gravity or pumps through tanks containing aquatic plants, algae, bacteria, and sediments, which remove nutrients, pathogens, and organic matter through filtration, uptake, and microbial metabolism. Some designs are modular and containerized for on-site deployment.

Common applications include on-site wastewater treatment and greywater recycling for buildings, campuses, or remote facilities, as well as demonstration projects in museums or research centers. In addition to wastewater treatment, living machines can be adapted for air purification or energy production through bioelectrochemical systems.

Advantages cited for living machines include reduced energy use, lower chemical inputs, space for habitat creation, and potential for nutrient recovery. Challenges include performance variability due to climate and load, the need for regular maintenance, potential odor or vector concerns, and regulatory or permitting hurdles.

The term is sometimes used broadly to describe any biohybrid system blending living organisms with machinery to perform tasks, and is associated with ecological engineering and sustainable design movements. See also constructed wetlands, ecological engineering, and bioremediation.