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Saucedo-Lucero JO, Falcón-González LS, Ovando Franco M, Revah S. Implementation of a botanical bioscrubber for the treatment of indoor ambient air. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 363:121414. [PMID: 38852418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
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 PM2.5 were monitored, with a significant reduction in carbon-based compounds and particulate matter-. Notably, CO2 and PM2.5 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Octavio Saucedo-Lucero
- CIATEC A.C. Centro de Innovación Aplicada en Tecnologías Competitivas, Omega 201, 37545, León, Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | | | - Monserrat Ovando Franco
- Universidad Tecnológica de León, Blvd. Universidad Tecnológica 225, 37670, León, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Sergio Revah
- Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana- Cuajimalpa, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 4871, 05348, Mexico City, Mexico
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2
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Yuan MH, Kang S, Cho KS. A review of phyto- and microbial-remediation of indoor volatile organic compounds. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142120. [PMID: 38670503 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are crucial air pollutants in indoor environments, emitted from building materials, furniture, consumer products, cleaning products, smoking, fuel combustion, cooking, and other sources. VOCs are also emitted from human beings via breath and whole-body skin. Some VOCs cause dermal/ocular irritation as well as gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and/or carcinogenic damage to human health. Because people spend most of their time indoors, active control of indoor VOCs has garnered attention. Phytoremediation and microbial remediation, based on plant and microorganism activities, are deemed sustainable, cost-effective, and public-friendly technologies for mitigating indoor VOCs. This study presents the major sources of VOCs in indoor environments and their compositions. Various herbaceous and woody plants used to mitigate indoor VOCs are summarized and their VOCs removal performance is compared. Moreover, this paper reviews the current state of active phytoremediation and microbial remediation for the control of indoor VOCs, and discusses future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hao Yuan
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan
| | - Sookyung Kang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Cho
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Alvarado-Alvarado AA, Smets W, Irga P, Denys S. Engineering green wall botanical biofiltration to abate indoor volatile organic compounds: A review on mechanisms, phyllosphere bioaugmentation, and modeling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133491. [PMID: 38232548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution affects the global population, especially in developed countries where people spend around 90% of their time indoors. The recent pandemic exacerbated the exposure by relying on indoor spaces and a teleworking lifestyle. VOCs are a group of indoor air pollutants with harmful effects on human health at low concentrations. It is widespread that plants can remove indoor VOCs. To this day, research has combined principles of phytoremediation, biofiltration, and bioremediation into a holistic and sustainable technology called botanical biofiltration. Overall, it is sustained that its main advantage is the capacity to break down and biodegrade pollutants using low energy input. This differs from traditional systems that transfer VOCs to another phase. Furthermore, it offers additional benefits like decreased indoor air health costs, enhanced work productivity, and well-being. However, many disparities exist within the field regarding the role of plants, substrate, and phyllosphere bacteria. Yet their role has been theorized; its stability is poorly known for an engineering approach. Previous research has not addressed the bioaugmentation of the phyllosphere to increase the performance, which could boost the system. Moreover, most experiments have studied passive potted plant systems at a lab scale using small chambers, making it difficult to extrapolate findings into tangible parameters to engineer the technology. Active systems are believed to be more efficient yet require more maintenance and knowledge expertize; besides, the impact of the active flow on the long term is not fully understood. Besides, modeling the system has been oversimplified, limiting the understanding and optimization. This review sheds light on the field's gains and gaps, like concepts, experiments, and modeling. We believe that embracing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing experiments, multiphysics modeling, microbial community analysis, and coworking with the indoor air sector will enable the optimization of the technology and facilitate its adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan A Alvarado-Alvarado
- Sustainable Energy, Air & Water Technology (DuEL), Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC), Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wenke Smets
- Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC), Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Irga
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Siegfried Denys
- Sustainable Energy, Air & Water Technology (DuEL), Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
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Montaluisa-Mantilla MS, García-Encina P, Lebrero R, Muñoz R. Botanical filters for the abatement of indoor air pollutants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140483. [PMID: 37863205 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, people spend 80-90% of their time indoors, while recent policies on energy efficient and safe buildings require reduced building ventilation rates and locked windows. These facts have raised a growing concern on indoor air quality, which is currently receiving even more attention than outdoors pollution. Prevention is the first and most cost-effective strategy to improve indoor air quality, but once pollution is generated, a battery of physicochemical technologies is typically implemented to improve air quality with a questionable efficiency and at high operating costs. Biotechnologies have emerged as promising alternatives to abate indoor air pollutants, but current bioreactor configurations and the low concentrations of indoor air pollutants limit their widespread implementation in homes, offices and public buildings. In this context, recent investigations have shown that potted plants can aid in the removal of a wide range of indoor air pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be engineered in aesthetically attractive configurations. The original investigations conducted by NASA, along with recent advances in technology and design, have resulted in a new generation of botanical biofilters with the potential to effectively mitigate indoor air pollution, with increasing public aesthetics acceptance. This article presents a review of the research on active botanical filters as sustainable alternatives to purify indoor air.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sol Montaluisa-Mantilla
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
| | - Pedro García-Encina
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
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5
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Coyago-Cruz E, Moya M, Méndez G, Villacís M, Rojas-Silva P, Corell M, Mapelli-Brahm P, Vicario IM, Meléndez-Martínez AJ. Exploring Plants with Flowers: From Therapeutic Nutritional Benefits to Innovative Sustainable Uses. Foods 2023; 12:4066. [PMID: 38002124 PMCID: PMC10671036 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Flowers have played a significant role in society, focusing on their aesthetic value rather than their food potential. This study's goal was to look into flowering plants for everything from health benefits to other possible applications. This review presents detailed information on 119 species of flowers with agri-food and health relevance. Data were collected on their family, species, common name, commonly used plant part, bioremediation applications, main chemical compounds, medicinal and gastronomic uses, and concentration of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. In this respect, 87% of the floral species studied contain some toxic compounds, sometimes making them inedible, but specific molecules from these species have been used in medicine. Seventy-six percent can be consumed in low doses by infusion. In addition, 97% of the species studied are reported to have medicinal uses (32% immune system), and 63% could be used in the bioremediation of contaminated environments. Significantly, more than 50% of the species were only analysed for total concentrations of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, indicating a significant gap in identifying specific molecules of these bioactive compounds. These potential sources of bioactive compounds could transform the health and nutraceutical industries, offering innovative approaches to combat oxidative stress and promote optimal well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Coyago-Cruz
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Sede Quito, Campus El Girón, Av. 12 de Octubre N2422 y Wilson, Quito 170143, Ecuador
| | - Melany Moya
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Carrera de Obstetricia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Iquique, Luis Sodiro N14-121, Quito 170146, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Méndez
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Sede Quito, Campus El Girón, Av. 12 de Octubre N2422 y Wilson, Quito 170143, Ecuador
| | - Michael Villacís
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Sede Quito, Campus El Girón, Av. 12 de Octubre N2422 y Wilson, Quito 170143, Ecuador
| | - Patricio Rojas-Silva
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Mireia Corell
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad de Sevilla, Carretera de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Unidad Asociada al CSIC de Uso Sostenible del Suelo y el Agua en la Agricultura (US-IRNAS), Crta. de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paula Mapelli-Brahm
- Food Colour and Quality Laboratory, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain (A.J.M.-M.)
| | - Isabel M. Vicario
- Food Colour and Quality Laboratory, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain (A.J.M.-M.)
| | - Antonio J. Meléndez-Martínez
- Food Colour and Quality Laboratory, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain (A.J.M.-M.)
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6
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Fu Q, Liang JC, Lai JL, Luo XG. Radon adsorption and air purification by Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and its metabolic response to radon exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121744. [PMID: 37127238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), an aerial plant, to adsorb radon (Rn) and absorb CO2 was assessed to analyze its capacity to remove pollutants from indoor air and to determine its radon (Rn) tolerance mechanism. Transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques were used to analyze the response of the plant to Rn exposure. Spanish moss absorbed indoor CO2 at night using the type of photosynthesis termed crassulacean acid metabolism. The CO2 absorption efficiency of the plant was mainly affected by the light duration and diurnal temperature differences. The highest purification efficiency was 48.25%, and the scales on the Spanish moss leaf surface were the key sites for Rn adsorption. Metabolome analysis showed that Rn exposure induced differential metabolites significantly enriched in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates. Transcriptome analysis showed significantly upregulated expression levels of functional genes in Rn-exposed leaves. Rn had significant effects on respiratory metabolism, as indicated by upregulated expression of metabolites and functional genes related to the glycolysis pathway, pyruvate oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. These responses indicated that the internal mechanism by which Spanish moss alleviates Rn stress involves an enhancement of cellular energy supplies and regulation of respiratory metabolic pathways to allow adaptation to Rn pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Fu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | | | - Jin-Long Lai
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China
| | - Xue-Gang Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China.
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7
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Kim J, Kim J, Kim Y, Go T, Lee SJ. Accelerated settling velocity of airborne particulate matter on hairy plant leaves. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 332:117313. [PMID: 36716541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation has emerged as an ecofriendly technique to reduce hazardous particulate matter (PM) in the air. Although previous studies have conducted statistical analyses to reveal PM removal capabilities of various plant species according to their leaf characteristics, the underlying physical mechanism of PM adsorption of plants remains unclear. Conventional methodologies for measuring PM accumulation usually require long-term field tests and provide limited understanding on PM removal effects of individual leaf traits of various plants. In this study, we propose a novel methodology which can compare the electrostatic interactions between PMs and plant leaves according to their trichome structures by using digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM). Surface characteristics of Perilla frutescens and Capsicum annuum leaves are measured to examine electrostatic effects according to the morphological features of trichomes. 3D settling motions of PMs near the microstructures of trichomes of the two plant species are compared in detail. To validate the PM removal effect of the hairy microstructures, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replica model of a P. frutescens leaf is fabricated to demonstrate accelerated settling velocities of PMs near trichome-like microstructures. The size and electric charge distributions of PMs with irregular shapes are analyzed using DIHM. Numerical simulation of the PM deposition near a trichome-like structure is conducted to verify the empirical results. As a result, the settling velocities of PMs on P. frutescens leaves and a PDMS replica sample are 12.11 ± 1.88% and 34.06 ± 4.19% faster than those on C. annuum leaves and a flat PDMS sample, respectively. These findings indicate that the curved microstructures of hairy trichomes of plant leaves increase the ability to capture PMs by enhancing the electric field intensity just near trichomes. Compared with conventional methods, the proposed methodology can quantitatively evaluate the settling velocity of PMs on various plant leaves according to the morphological structure and density of trichomes within a short period of time. The present research findings would be widely utilized in the selection of suitable air-purifying plants for sustainable removal of harmful air pollutants in urban and indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihwan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongju Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngdo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesik Go
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Joon Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Zuo L, Wu D, Deng M, He D, Yuan Y. Simultaneous influence of light and CO 2 on phytoremediation performance and physiological response of plants to formaldehyde. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64191-64202. [PMID: 37060414 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26969-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation technology is an effective method to remove formaldehyde indoors, but the purification capacity and physiological response of plants to formaldehyde under the simultaneous influence of light and CO2 have not been examined in previous studies. In this study, formaldehyde fumigation experiments were conducted on the C3 plants Epipremnum aureum A. and Chlorophytum comosum L., and the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant Dieffenbachia maculate A. The phytoremediation performance and physiological response of plants were studied. The initial concentration of formaldehyde was established at 11.950 ± 1.442 [Formula: see text]; the light intensities were 448 ± 7 [Formula: see text], 1628 ± 22 [Formula: see text], and 3259 ± 22 [Formula: see text], respectively; and the concentrations of CO2 were 455 ± 29 [Formula: see text], 978 ± 50 [Formula: see text], 2020 ± 66 [Formula: see text], and 3006 ± 95 [Formula: see text], respectively. The results indicated that the highest purification rates of formaldehyde by E. aureum, D. maculata, and C. comosum were 55.8%, 43.7%, and 53.2%, respectively. The light intensity had a positive effect on the formaldehyde purification rates of all three plants and positively stimulated peroxidase (POD) activity, while the CO2 concentration had no significant impact on the formaldehyde purification capacity and plants' physiological characteristics. Exposure to formaldehyde inhibited formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FADH) activity and positively stimulated catalase (CAT) activity. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity positively correlated with the formaldehyde purification capacity of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zuo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Dan Wu
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China
| | - Mengsi Deng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Darui He
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yanping Yuan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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Matheson S, Fleck R, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. Phytoremediation for the indoor environment: a state-of-the-art review. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2023; 22:249-280. [PMID: 36873270 PMCID: PMC9968648 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-023-09644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality has become of particular concern within the built environment due to the time people spend indoors, and the associated health burden. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from synthetic materials, nitrogen dioxide and harmful outdoor VOCs such benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene penetrate into the indoor environment through ventilation and are the main contributors to poor indoor air quality with health effects. A considerable body of literature over the last four decades has demonstrate the removal of gaseous contaminants through phytoremediation, a technology that relies on plant material and technologies to remediate contaminated air streams. In this review we present a state-of-the-art on indoor phytoremediation over the last decade. Here we present a review of 38 research articles on both active and passive phytoremediation, and describe the specific chemical removal efficiency of different systems. The literature clearly indicates the efficacy of these systems for the removal of gaseous contaminants in the indoor environment, however it is evident that the application of phytoremediation technologies for research purposes in-situ is currently significantly under studied. In addition, it is common for research studies to assess the removal of single chemical species under controlled conditions, with little relevancy to real-world settings easily concluded. The authors therefore recommend that future phytoremediation research be conducted both in-situ and on chemical sources of a mixed nature, such as those experienced in the urban environment like petroleum vapour, vehicle emissions, and mixed synthetic furnishings off-gassing. The assessment of these systems both in static chambers for their theoretical performance, and in-situ for these mixed chemical sources is essential for the progression of this research field and the widespread adoption of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Matheson
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - R. Fleck
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - P. J. Irga
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - F. R. Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
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10
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Pytel K, Marcinkowska R, Rutkowska M, Zabiegała B. Recent advances on SOA formation in indoor air, fate and strategies for SOA characterization in indoor air - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156948. [PMID: 35753459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies proves that indoor air chemistry differs in many aspects from atmospheric one. People send up to 90 % of their life indoors being exposed to pollutants present in gas, particle and solid phase. Particle phase indoor is composed of particles emitted from various sources, among which there is an indoor source - secondary chemical reactions leading to formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Lately, researchers' attentions turned towards the ultrafine particles, for there are still a lot of gaps in knowledge concerning this field of study, while there is evidence of negative influence of ultrafine particles on human health. Presented review sums up current knowledge about secondary particle formation in indoor environment and development of analytical techniques applied to study those processes. The biggest concern today is studying ROS, for their lifetime in indoor air is very short due to reactions at the very beginning of terpene oxidation process. Another interesting aspect that is recently discovered is monoterpene autooxidation process that leads to HOMs formation that in turn can influence SOA formation yield. A complex studies covering gas phase and particle phase characterization, but also toxicological studies are crucial to fully understand indoor air chemistry leading to ultrafine particle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Pytel
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańnsk, Poland
| | - Renata Marcinkowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańnsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Rutkowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańnsk, Poland
| | - Bożena Zabiegała
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańnsk, Poland.
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11
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Khalifa AA, Khan E, Akhtar MS. Phytoremediation of indoor formaldehyde by plants and plant material. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:493-504. [PMID: 35771032 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2090499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde evolves from various household items and is of environmental and public health concern. Removal of this contaminant from the indoor air is of utmost importance and currently, various practices are in the field. Among these practices, indoor plants are of particular importance because they help in controlling indoor temperature, moisture, and oxygen concentration. Plants and plant materials studied for the purpose have been reviewed hereunder. The main topics of the review are, mechanism of phytoremediation, plants and their benefits, plant material in formaldehyde remediation, and airtight environmental and health issues. Future research in the field is also highlighted which will help new researches to plan for the remediation of formaldehyde in indoor air. The remediation capacity of several plants has been tabulated and compared, which gives easy access to assess various plants for remediation of the target pollutant. Challenges and issues in the phytoremediation of formaldehyde are also discussed.Novelty statement: Phytoremediation is a well-known technique to mitigate various organic and inorganic pollutants. The technique has been used by various researchers for maintaining indoor air quality but its efficiency under real-world conditions and human activities is still a question and is vastly affected relative to laboratory conditions. Several modifications in the field are in progress, here in this review article we have summarized and highlighted new directions in the field which could be a better solution to the problem in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Ahmed Khalifa
- Environment and Sustainable Development Program, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Bahrain
- Department of Architecture and Interior Design, College of Engineering, University of Bahrain, Isa Town, Bahrain
| | - Ezzat Khan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Bahrain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
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12
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Morgan AL, Torpy FR, Irga PJ, Fleck R, Gill RL, Pettit T. The botanical biofiltration of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter derived from cigarette smoke. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133942. [PMID: 35150705 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing use of control measures, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) remains a significant pollutant source in indoor air in many areas of the world. Current control methods for reducing ETS exposure are inadequate to protect public health in environments where cigarettes are smoked. An alternative solution is botanical biofiltration which has previously been shown to lower concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) from a range of polluted air streams. This study is the first to assess the potential of a botanical biofilter with the species Spathiphyllum wallisii (Peace Lily) for the removal of cigarette-derived VOCs and all size fractions of PM. Single pass removal efficiencies of 43.26% for total VOCs and 34.37% for total suspended particles were achieved. The botanical biofilter reduced the concentrations of a range of harmful ETS chemicals including nicotine, limonene, and toluene. Evaluation of the re-emission of ETS constituents filtered by the botanical biofilter revealed no particle resuspension or off gassing. The results demonstrate the potential of botanical biofilters to reduce public ETS exposure, although further research is needed to improve upon and ensure the efficiency of these systems for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Morgan
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; Environment and Planning, Aurecon, Australia
| | - Fraser R Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter J Irga
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Fleck
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Raissa L Gill
- Coastal Oceanography and Algal Research Team, Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Pettit
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
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13
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Masi M, Nissim WG, Pandolfi C, Azzarello E, Mancuso S. Modelling botanical biofiltration of indoor air streams contaminated by volatile organic compounds. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 422:126875. [PMID: 34411961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Botanical filtration is a biological-based treatment method suitable for removing hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air streams, based on forcing an air flow through a porous substrate and foliage of a living botanical compartment. The pathways and removal mechanisms during VOC bioremediation have been largely investigated; however, their mathematical representation is well established only for the non-botanical components of the system. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of such a modelling scheme to systems which include a botanical compartment. We implemented a one-dimensional numerical model and performed a global sensitivity analysis to measure the input parameters influence on the transient and steady biofilter responses. We found that the most sensitive parameters on the transient-state behaviour were the mass transfer coefficient between gas and solid surfaces, and the fraction of solid surfaces covered by the biofilm; the steady-state response was primarily influenced by the biofilm specific surface area and the fraction of surfaces covered by the biofilm. We calibrated the identified set of parameters and successfully validated the model against data from a pilot-scale installation. The results showed that the application of the model to systems with a botanical compartment is feasible, although under a strict set of assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Masi
- PNAT SRL, Via della Cernaia 12, 50129 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Werther Guidi Nissim
- PNAT SRL, Via della Cernaia 12, 50129 Firenze, Italy; Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Camilla Pandolfi
- PNAT SRL, Via della Cernaia 12, 50129 Firenze, Italy; Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Azzarello
- PNAT SRL, Via della Cernaia 12, 50129 Firenze, Italy; Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Mancuso
- PNAT SRL, Via della Cernaia 12, 50129 Firenze, Italy; Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Italy
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14
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Han Y, Lee J, Haiping G, Kim KH, Wanxi P, Bhardwaj N, Oh JM, Brown RJC. Plant-based remediation of air pollution: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113860. [PMID: 34626947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Humans face threats from air pollutants present in both indoor and outdoor environments. The emerging role of plants in remediating the atmospheric environment is now being actively investigated as a possible solution for this problem. Foliar surfaces of plants (e.g., the leaves of cotton) can absorb a variety of airborne pollutants (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, trimethylamine, and xylene), thereby reducing their concentrations in indoor environments. Recently, theoretical and experimental studies have been conducted to offer better insights into the interactions between plants and the surrounding air. In our research, an overview on the role of plants in reducing air pollution (often referred to as phytoremediation) is provided based on a comprehensive literature survey. The major issues for plant-based research for the reduction of air pollution in both outdoor and indoor environments are discussed in depth along with future challenges. Analysis of the existing data confirms the effectiveness of phytoremediation in terms of the absorption and purification of pollutants (e.g., by the leaves and roots of plants and trees), while being controlled by different variables (e.g., pore characteristics and planting patterns). Although most lab-scale studies have shown that plants can effectively absorb pollutants, it is important for such studies to reflect the real-world conditions, especially with the influence of human activities. Under such conditions, pollutants are to be replenished continually while the plant surface area to ambient atmosphere volume ratio vastly decreases (e.g., relative to lab-based experiments). The replication of such experimental conditions is the key challenge in this field of research. This review is expected to offer valuable insights into the innate ability of various plants in removing diverse pollutants (such as formaldehyde, benzene, and particulate matter) under different environmental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Han
- School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Jechan Lee
- Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering & Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Gu Haiping
- School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.
| | - Peng Wanxi
- School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Neha Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Jong-Min Oh
- Department of Environmental Science & Environmental Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Suwon, 17104, South Korea
| | - Richard J C Brown
- Atmospheric Environmental Science Department, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
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15
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Wróblewska K, Jeong BR. Effectiveness of plants and green infrastructure utilization in ambient particulate matter removal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2021; 33:110. [PMID: 34603905 PMCID: PMC8475335 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is regarded as an increasingly threatening, major environmental risk for human health. Seven million deaths are attributed to air pollution each year, 91% of which is due to particulate matter. Vegetation is a xenobiotic means of removing particulate matter. This review presents the mechanisms of PM capture by plants and factors that influence PM reduction in the atmosphere. Vegetation is ubiquitously approved as a PM removal solution in cities, taking various forms of green infrastructure. This review also refers to the effectiveness of plant exploitation in GI: trees, grasslands, green roofs, living walls, water reservoirs, and urban farming. Finally, methods of increasing the PM removal by plants, such as species selection, biodiversity increase, PAH-degrading phyllospheric endophytes, transgenic plants and microorganisms, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wróblewska
- Department of Horticulture, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828 South Korea
| | - Byoung Ryong Jeong
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828 South Korea
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Graduate School, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828 South Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
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16
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Pettit T, Torpy FR, Surawski NC, Fleck R, Irga PJ. Effective reduction of roadside air pollution with botanical biofiltration. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125566. [PMID: 33684812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Currently no sustainable, economical and scalable systems have been developed for the direct removal of roadside air pollutants at their source. Here we present a simple and effective air filtering technology: botanical biofiltration, and the first field assessment of three different botanical biofilter designs for the filtration of traffic associated air pollutants - NO2, O3 and PM2.5 - from roadside ambient air in Sydney, Australia. Over two six month research campaigns, we show that all of the tested systems filtered NO2, O3 and PM2.5 with average single pass removal efficiencies of up to 71.5%, 28.1% and 22.1% respectively. Clean air delivery rates of up to 121 m3/h, 50 m3/h and 40 m3/h per m2 of active green wall biofilter were achieved for the three pollutants respectively, with pollutant removal efficiency positively correlated with their ambient concentrations. We propose that large scale field trials of this technology are warranted to promote sustainable urban development and improved public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pettit
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Fraser R Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Nicholas C Surawski
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Robert Fleck
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Peter J Irga
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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17
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The Impact of Indoor Living Wall System on Air Quality: A Comparative Monitoring Test in Building Corridors. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13147884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Living wall systems have been widely recognized as one of the promising approaches for building applications due to their aesthetic value and ecological benefits. Compared with outdoor living wall systems, indoor living wall systems (ILWS) play a more vital role in indoor air quality. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ILWS on indoor air quality. In an office building, two parallel corridors were selected as comparative groups. A 10.6 m2 ILWS was installed on the sidewall of the west corridor while the east corridor was empty. Some important parameters, including indoor air temperature, relative humidity, concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM) were obtained based on the actual environment monitoring. According to the statistical analysis of the data, there were significant differences in the concentrations of CO2 and PMs in the corridors with and without ILWS, which indicated that CO2 and PM2.5 removal rate ranged from 12% to 17% and 8% to 14%, respectively. The temperature difference is quite small (0.13 °C on average), while relative humidity slightly increased by 3.1–6.4% with the presence of the ILWS.
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18
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Prigioniero A, Zuzolo D, Niinemets Ü, Guarino C. Nature-based solutions as tools for air phytoremediation: A review of the current knowledge and gaps. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 277:116817. [PMID: 33711644 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of air quality and the application of strategies for its improvement are perceived as key areas for reducing environmental pollution. The research on Nature Based Solutions for the mitigation of pollutant concentrations in the air has increasingly developed in the last twenty years. The purpose of this review is to evaluate whether the current knowledge about Nature-Based Solutions provides a quantitative answer of the real benefits of air phytoremediation. To address this question, the literature on air phytoremediation over the last twenty years was analyzed. Altogether, 52 variables were selected, grouped into six categories, to briefly characterize the contents, methodology and outcome of the peer-reviewed articles. Altogether, 413 plant species found in the analyzed studies were recorded. The results show the trends about the most studied pollutants and on the methodologies mostly applied, in relation to the study outcomes. The analysis demonstrated that particulate matter (PMx) was the most frequently examined pollutant, most studies on NBS are based on experiments with exposure chambers, and scaling up the results with models has been limited. Although effective reductions in pollutant concentrations have been shown in the majority of studies, there is a strong fragmentation of the approaches, most studies have looked at a single pollutant and detailed information for model parameterization is only available for a few species. Thus, the review highlights that studies of Nature Based Solutions in air phytoremediation require unification of methodologies, and should consider a broader range of pollutants and plant organisms useful for mitigating the impacts of air pollutants in indoor and outdoor human environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Prigioniero
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Via De Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Daniela Zuzolo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Via De Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Ülo Niinemets
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu, 51006, Estonia
| | - Carmine Guarino
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Via De Sanctis Snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
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19
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Susanto AD, Winardi W, Hidayat M, Wirawan A. The use of indoor plant as an alternative strategy to improve indoor air quality in Indonesia. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:95-99. [PMID: 32920542 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution marked with decreased air quality below the set standard. The quality of indoor air is determined by ambient air quality as well as by a harmful substance resulting from the household activity. Indoor air pollution may cause several problems such as sick building syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and is responsible for nearly two million death in developing countries. One of the interesting research topics to overcome the indoor air pollution problem is the application of indoor plants. Although there are no established criteria to specify the best indoor plant, several studies have revealed the capability of a particular indoor plant to remove the harmful substances. This paper summarizes important information about indoor air pollution and provides the evidence-based insight of indoor plant usefulness as an alternative way for indoor air remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agus Dwi Susanto
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wira Winardi
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine,School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Moulid Hidayat
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia
| | - Aditya Wirawan
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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20
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Megahed NA, Ghoneim EM. Indoor Air Quality: Rethinking rules of building design strategies in post-pandemic architecture. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110471. [PMID: 33197423 PMCID: PMC7661949 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
To effectively reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to highlight the effectiveness of building design strategies in mitigating threats to occupants. The ongoing pandemic research and actions focus on how poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) amplifies the effects of airborne viruses. This review aims to draw architects' attention toward the high risk of airborne transmission of diseases by providing the latest updates and solutions to understand better the environmental and health issues associated with COVID-19. Based on the complexity of the problem and the need for interdisciplinary research, this study presents a conceptual model that addresses the integration of engineering controls, design strategies and, air disinfection techniques required to achieve a better IAQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa A Megahed
- Professor, Architecture and Urban Planning Department, Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University, Egypt.
| | - Ehab M Ghoneim
- Professor of Ophthalmology, Vice Dean for Community Services & Environmental Development Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Egypt.
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21
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Bhargava B, Malhotra S, Chandel A, Rakwal A, Kashwap RR, Kumar S. Mitigation of indoor air pollutants using Areca palm potted plants in real-life settings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:8898-8906. [PMID: 33074430 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Deterioration of indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a serious concern as people spend lots of time indoors and prolonged pollution exposure can result in adverse health outcomes. Indoor plants can phytoremediate a wide variety of indoor contaminants. Nonetheless, few experiments have demonstrated their efficacy in real-time environments. Therefore, the present study aims to experimentally assess the efficiency of Areca palm potted plants in phytoremediation of primary indoor air pollutant viz. total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) levels from real-world indoor spaces, for the first time. Four discrete naturally ventilated experimental sites (I-IV) situated at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) were used. For over a period of 4 months, the sites were monitored using zero plants as a control (1-4 week), three plants (5-8 week), six plants (9-12 week), and nine plants (13-16 week), respectively. Present results indicate that Areca palm potted plants can effectively reduce the TVOCs, CO2, and CO levels by 88.16% in site IV, 52.33% and 95.70% in site III, respectively. The current study concluded that Areca palm potted plants offer an efficient, cost-effective, self-regulating, sustainable solution for improving indoor air quality and thereby human well-being and productivity in closed and confined spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Bhargava
- Floriculture Laboratory, Agrotechnology of Medicinal, Aromatic and Commercially Important Plants Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, P.O. Box 6, Palampur, (H.P.), 176061, India.
| | - Sandeep Malhotra
- Floriculture Laboratory, Agrotechnology of Medicinal, Aromatic and Commercially Important Plants Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, P.O. Box 6, Palampur, (H.P.), 176061, India
| | - Anjali Chandel
- Floriculture Laboratory, Agrotechnology of Medicinal, Aromatic and Commercially Important Plants Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, P.O. Box 6, Palampur, (H.P.), 176061, India
| | - Anjali Rakwal
- Floriculture Laboratory, Agrotechnology of Medicinal, Aromatic and Commercially Important Plants Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, P.O. Box 6, Palampur, (H.P.), 176061, India
| | - Rachit Raghav Kashwap
- High Altitude Biology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan BioresourceTechnology, P.O. Box 6, Palampur, (H.P.), 176061, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan BioresourceTechnology, P.O. Box 6, Palampur, (H.P.), 176061, India
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22
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Qi L, Le Y, Wang C, Lei R, Wu T. Hierarchical nanostructures self-assembled from δ-MnO 2 ultrathin nanosheets and Mn 3O 4 octahedrons for efficient room-temperature HCHO oxidation. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj05515h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling ultrathin active δ-MnO2 nanosheets and Mn3O4 octahedrons into hierarchical texture enhances room-temperature formaldehyde oxidation at a low-level of Pt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Qi
- College of Architecture and Materials Engineering
- Hubei University of Education
- Wuhan 430205
- P. R. China
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)
| | - Yao Le
- College of Architecture and Materials Engineering
- Hubei University of Education
- Wuhan 430205
- P. R. China
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Architecture and Materials Engineering
- Hubei University of Education
- Wuhan 430205
- P. R. China
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)
| | - Rui Lei
- College of Architecture and Materials Engineering
- Hubei University of Education
- Wuhan 430205
- P. R. China
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)
| | - Tian Wu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)
- Hubei University of Education
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Life Science
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23
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van den Bogerd N, Coosje Dijkstra S, Koole SL, Seidell JC, de Vries R, Maas J. Nature in the indoor and outdoor study environment and secondary and tertiary education students' well-being, academic outcomes, and possible mediating pathways: A systematic review with recommendations for science and practice. Health Place 2020; 66:102403. [PMID: 32932004 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study reviews the evidence on the effects of nature in the study environment on well-being, academic outcomes, and outcomes related to possible explanatory pathways among students in secondary and tertiary education. The protocol was preregistered at Prospero (CRD42019126718). A systematic search of two databases yielded 3410 articles, of which 37 studies were included in the review. Most studies had a high risk of bias and there were heterogeneous outcome and exposure measures. Hence, no firm conclusions could be drawn. However, potentially promising leads were found on the associations between campus green space and improved quality of life, perceived restoration, lower outdoor temperature, and between indoor nature and improved indoor climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole van den Bogerd
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands.
| | - S Coosje Dijkstra
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Sander L Koole
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- & Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob C Seidell
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Ralph de Vries
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Maas
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- & Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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24
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Abstract
In recent years, the impending necessity to improve the quality of outdoor and indoor air has produced a constant increase of investigations in the methodologies to remove and/or to decrease the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Among the various strategies for VOC elimination, catalytic oxidation and recently photocatalytic oxidation are regarded as some of the most promising technologies for VOC total oxidation from urban and industrial waste streams. This work is focused on bimetallic supported catalysts, investigating systematically the progress and developments in the design of these materials. In particular, we highlight their advantages compared to those of their monometallic counterparts in terms of catalytic performance and physicochemical properties (catalytic stability and reusability). The formation of a synergistic effect between the two metals is the key feature of these particular catalysts. This review examines the state-of-the-art of a peculiar sector (the bimetallic systems) belonging to a wide area (i.e., the several catalysts used for VOC removal) with the aim to contribute to further increase the knowledge of the catalytic materials for VOC removal, stressing the promising potential applications of the bimetallic catalysts in the air purification.
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25
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Nature-Based Solution for Reducing CO2 Levels in Museum Environments: A Phytoremediation Study for the Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12020565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This work investigates the possibility of implementing a nature-based solution (NBS) based on the photosynthetic process of Laurus nobilis L. (common laurel), for reducing peak CO2 concentrations in an air-tight museum environment, namely the Refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church (Milan, Italy), home of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “Last Supper”. The phytoremediation potential of laurel plants was evaluated at CO2 ≅ 1000 ppm under controlled environmental conditions. Furthermore, light-saturated net assimilation (Pnmax) was measured at two CO2 concentrations (380 and 1000 ppm) during the growing season. Steady-state gas exchanges were not affected by elevated CO2 in the short-term, while Pnmax was significantly increased, also showing higher values in spring and autumn, and a reduction during summer. Our estimated CO2 removal rates indicate that, in order to control visitors’ respiratory CO2 emissions in view of an increase in visitor numbers in the Refectory, a possible NBS in the form of an external greenhouse, connected to the HVAC system of the museum, should allocate from 58 to 112 young laurel plants, depending on their seasonal phytoremediation capacity. These results, although preliminary, allow to hypothesize the possibility of controlling CO2 indoors through a combination of traditional air-cleaning systems and a properly designed NBS, thus increasing the sustainability of air-tight museum environments.
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26
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An Assessment of the Suitability of Active Green Walls for NO2 Reduction in Green Buildings Using a Closed-Loop Flow Reactor. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10120801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a common urban air pollutant that is associated with several adverse human health effects from both short and long term exposure. Additionally, NO2 is highly reactive and can influence the mixing ratios of nitrogen oxide (NO) and ozone (O3). Active green walls can filter numerous air pollutants whilst using little energy, and are thus a candidate for inclusion in green buildings, however, the remediation of NO2 by active green walls remains untested. This work assessed the capacity of replicate active green walls to filter NO2 at both ambient and elevated concentrations within a closed-loop flow reactor, while the concentrations of NO and O3 were simultaneously monitored. Comparisons of each pollutant’s decay rate were made for green walls containing two plant species (Spathiphyllum wallisii and Syngonium podophyllum) and two lighting conditions (indoor and ultraviolet). Biofilter treatments for both plant species exhibited exponential decay for the biofiltration of all three pollutants at ambient concentrations. Furthermore, both treatments removed elevated concentrations of NO and NO2, (average NO2 clean air delivery rate of 661.32 and 550.8 m3∙h−1∙m−3 of biofilter substrate for the respective plant species), although plant species and lighting conditions influenced the degree of NOx removal. Elevated concentrations of NOx compromised the removal efficiency of O3. Whilst the current work provided evidence that effective filtration of NOx is possible with green wall technology, long-term experiments under in situ conditions are needed to establish practical removal rates and plant health effects from prolonged exposure to air pollution.
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Reis J, Román GC, Giroud M, Palmer VS, Spencer PS. Medical management, prevention and mitigation of environmental risks factors in Neurology. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2019; 175:698-704. [PMID: 31648732 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The human environment and exposures arising therefrom are major contributors to neurological disorders ranging from stroke to neurodegenerative diseases. Reduction of exposure to environmental risk factors, with the goal of disease prevention or control, is addressed at the individual as well as the societal level and in recognition of differential subject vulnerability. We examine some practical solutions in high-income countries that may allow a better adaptation to environmental risks and reduce their adverse impact on the nervous system. We consider the citizen's role in reducing unhealthy exposures and explore new approaches to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reis
- Department of neurology, university of Strasbourg, university hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Association RISE, 3, rue du Loir, 67205 Oberhausbergen, France.
| | - G C Román
- Department of neurology, methodist neurological institute and research institute, Houston methodist hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Weill Cornell medical college, Cornell university, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Giroud
- Dijon stroke registry, EA 7460, university of Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Inserm, santé publique France, university hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - V S Palmer
- Department of neurology, school of medicine, Oregon health & science university, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P S Spencer
- Department of neurology, school of medicine, Oregon health & science university, Portland, OR, USA
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Sachs NA. A Breath of Fresh Air: Outdoor Spaces in Healthcare Facilities Can Provide Clean Air and Respite. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2019; 12:226-230. [DOI: 10.1177/1937586719872396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Irga PJ, Pettit T, Irga RF, Paull NJ, Douglas ANJ, Torpy FR. Does plant species selection in functional active green walls influence VOC phytoremediation efficiency? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12851-12858. [PMID: 30891698 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of public concern due to their adverse health effects. Botanical air filtration is a promising technology for reducing indoor air contaminants, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study assessed active botanical biofilters for their single-pass removal efficiency (SPRE) for benzene, ethyl acetate and ambient total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), at concentrations of in situ relevance. Biofilters containing four plant species (Chlorophytum orchidastrum, Nematanthus glabra, Nephrolepis cordifolia 'duffii' and Schefflera arboricola) were compared to discern whether plant selection influenced VOC SPRE. Amongst all tested plant species, benzene SPREs were between 45.54 and 59.50%, with N. glabra the most efficient. The botanical biofilters removed 32.36-91.19% of ethyl acetate, with C. orchidastrum and S. arboricola recording significantly higher ethyl acetate SPREs than N. glabra and N. cordifolia. These findings thus indicate that plant type influences botanical biofilter VOC removal. It is proposed that ethyl acetate SPREs were dependent on hydrophilic adsorbent sites, with increasing root surface area, root diameter and root mass all associated with increasing ethyl acetate SPRE. The high benzene SPRE of N. glabra is likely due to the high wax content in its leaf cuticles. The SPREs for the relatively low levels of ambient TVOCs were consistent amongst plant species, providing no evidence to suggest that in situ TVOC removal is influenced by plant choice. Nonetheless, as inter-species differences do exist for some VOCs, botanical biofilters using a mixture of plants is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Irga
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - Thomas Pettit
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Robert F Irga
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Naomi J Paull
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Ashley N J Douglas
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Fraser R Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
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Yin Y, Wang Z, Wang S, Pu J. Cellulose‐based formaldehyde adsorbents with large capacities: Efficient use of polyethylenimine for graphene oxide stabilization in alkaline–urea system. J Appl Polym Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/app.47860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Yin
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Forestry Biomass Materials and Bioenergy, College of Material Science and TechnologyBeijing Forestry University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Forestry Biomass Materials and Bioenergy, College of Material Science and TechnologyBeijing Forestry University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Sijie Wang
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Forestry Biomass Materials and Bioenergy, College of Material Science and TechnologyBeijing Forestry University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Junwen Pu
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Forestry Biomass Materials and Bioenergy, College of Material Science and TechnologyBeijing Forestry University Beijing 100083 China
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Pettit T, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. Functional green wall development for increasing air pollutant phytoremediation: Substrate development with coconut coir and activated carbon. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 360:594-603. [PMID: 30149346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Functional green walls are gaining attention due to their air cleaning abilities, however the air cleaning capacity of these systems may be improved through substrate modification. This experiment investigated the capacity of several green wall media to filter a range of air pollutants. Media, consisting of differently sized coconut husk-based substrates, and with different ratios of activated carbon were evaluated through the use of scaled down model 'cassettes'. Tests were conducted assessing each substrate's ability to filter particulate matter, benzene, ethyl acetate and ambient total VOCs. While the particle size of coconut husk did not influence removal efficiency, the addition of activated carbon to coconut husk media improved the removal efficiency for all gaseous pollutants. Activated carbon as a medium component, however, inhibited the removal efficiency of particulate matter. Once the substrate concentration of activated carbon approached ∼50%, its gas remediation capacity became asymptotic, suggesting that a 50:50 composite medium provided the best VOC removal. In full-scale botanical biofilter modules, activated carbon-based substrates increased benzene removal, yet decreased particulate matter removal despite the addition of plants. The findings suggest that medium design should be target pollutant dependent, while further work is needed to establish plant viability in activated carbon-based media.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pettit
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - P J Irga
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - F R Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
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