Implementation of a botanical bioscrubber for the treatment of indoor ambient air

This study explores the effectiveness of a botanical bioscrubber system using Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) in hydroponic setups to mitigate common indoor atmospheric pollutants. Over a 100-day operation, levels of SO₂, NO₂, O₃, TVOC, CO, CO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 were monitored, with a significant reduction in carbon-based compounds and particulate matter-. Notably, CO₂ and PM_2.5 removal efficiencies were significantly correlated with the foliar area, suggesting that the interaction between pollutants and plant leaves plays a crucial role in the phytoremediation process. In contrast, CO, PM₁₀, and TVOC exhibited varied removal efficiencies, hinting the involvement of mechanisms beyond leaf interaction, such as adsorption in irrigation water or root system capture. The absence of significant correlations for PM₁₀ emphasized the need for further investigation into alternative removal processes, potentially mediated by the root system. Overall, our findings suggest that botanical bioscrubbers, particularly those utilizing Golden Pothos, hold promise for indoor air purification through plant-based systems.