Towards practical indoor air phytoremediation: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Indoor Air Quality
• Bioremediation

Background:

• Indoor air quality is a growing concern due to increased time spent indoors and reduced ventilation.
• Potted plants are known to phytoremediate various indoor air pollutants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Existing research on plant-based VOC removal primarily comes from laboratory chamber experiments with varying conclusions on mechanisms and efficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of active air phytoremediation technology.
• To discuss available botanical biofiltration systems for indoor air pollutant removal.
• To identify areas requiring further development in phytoremediation technology.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on indoor air phytoremediation.
• Analysis of laboratory-scale chamber experiments.
• Examination of advancements in active botanical biofilters.

Main Results:

• Active botanical biofilters demonstrate potential for more effective reduction of multiple indoor air pollutants.
• These systems utilize active airflow through plant growing media and vertically aligned plants for high leaf area density.
• Current systems show potential to assist or replace mechanical ventilation for indoor air pollutant removal.

Conclusions:

• Active air phytoremediation technology, particularly botanical biofilters, shows promise for improving indoor air quality.
• Further research is essential to validate the effectiveness and safety of these systems for broader integration.
• Development is needed to optimize designs and confirm functional integration into the built environment.