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Matheson S, Fleck R, Lockwood T, Gill RL, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. Fuelling phytoremediation: gasoline degradation by green wall systems-a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118545-118555. [PMID: 37917253 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30634-1] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The capacity for indoor plants including green wall systems to remove specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is well documented in the literature; however under realistic settings, indoor occupants are exposed to a complex mixture of harmful compounds sourced from various emission sources. Gasoline vapour is one of the key sources of these emissions, with several studies demonstrating that indoor occupants in areas surrounding gasoline stations or with residentially attached garages are exposed to far higher concentrations of harmful VOCs. Here we assess the potential of a commercial small passive green wall system, commercially named the 'LivePicture Go' from Ambius P/L, Australia, to drawdown VOCs that comprise gasoline vapour, including total VOC (TVOC) removal and specific removal of individual speciated VOCs over time. An 8-h TVOC removal efficiency of 42.45% was achieved, along with the complete removal of eicosane, 1,2,3-trimethyl-benzene, and hexadecane. Further, the green wall also effectively reduced concentrations of a range of harmful benzene derivatives and other VOCs. These results demonstrate the potential of botanical systems to simultaneously remove a wide variety of VOCs, although future research is needed to improve upon and ensure efficiency of these systems over time and within practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Matheson
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group (PEQR), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - Robert Fleck
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group (PEQR), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Thomas Lockwood
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (HyMaS), School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Raissa L Gill
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group (PEQR), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Productive Coasts, Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Peter J Irga
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group (PEQR), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Fraser R Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group (PEQR), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
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Li X, Hu Y, Li D, Su Y. Transport and removal mechanism of benzene by Tradescantia zebrina Bosse and Epipremnum aureum (Linden ex André) G.S. Bunting in air-plant-solution system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:58282-58294. [PMID: 36977874 PMCID: PMC10047475 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation is considered an effective method for indoor air pollution control. The removal rate and mechanism of benzene in air by two plants, Tradescantia zebrina Bosse and Epipremnum aureum (Linden ex André) G. S. Bunting, were investigated through fumigation experiments under the condition of plant hydroponics culturing. Results showed that the plant removal rates increased with increase in benzene concentration in air. When the benzene concentration in air was set at 432.25-1314.75 mg·m-3, the removal rates of T. zebrina and E. aureum ranged from 23.05 ± 3.07 to 57.42 ± 8.28 mg·kg-1·h-1 FW and from 18.82 ± 3.73 to 101.58 ± 21.20 mg·kg-1·h-1 FW, respectively. The removal capacity was positively related to the transpiration rate of plants, indicating that gas exchange rate could be a key factor for the evaluation of removal capacity. There existed fast reversible transport of benzene on air-shoot interface and root-solution interface. After shoot exposure to benzene for 1 h, downward transport was the dominant mechanism in the removal of benzene in air by T. zebrina, while in vivo fixation was the dominant mechanism at exposure time of 3 and 8 h. Within 1-8 h of shoot exposure time, in vivo fixation capacity was always the key factor affecting the removal rate of benzene in the air by E. aureum. Contribution ratio of in vivo fixation in the total benzene removal rate increased from 6.29 to 92.29% for T. zebrina and from 73.22 to 98.42% for E. aureum in the experimental conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst induced by benzene exposure was responsible for the contribution ratio change of different mechanisms in the total removal rate, which also was verified by the change of activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, and SOD). Transpiration rate and antioxidant enzyme activity could be considered parameters to evaluate the plant removal ability to benzene and to screen plants for establishment of plant-microbe combination technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfang Hu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, People's Republic of China
| | - Depeng Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Su
- College of Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, People's Republic of 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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4
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Tulkova EG, Savchenko GE, Kabashnikova LF. Degradation of Chlorophyll in the Leaves of Reed Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) under the Action of Volatile Organic Compounds and Benzo(a)pyrene. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s106235902204015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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5
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Tani A, Koike M, Mochizuki T, Yamane M. Leaf uptake of atmospheric monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons depends on plant species and compounds. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113433. [PMID: 35367882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113433] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Large amounts of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) are emitted into the atmosphere, but it is unclear which compounds among MAHs are effectively removed by the above-ground parts of plants. Although fumigation experiments of MAHs at unrealistically high concentrations (~ppmv) have been conducted, experiments with ambient concentrations have scarcely been conducted. In the present study, MAHs, including benzene, toluene, phenol, benzaldehyde, and benzyl alcohol, with concentrations ranging from several to several tens ppbv, were individually fumigated to four plant species, and the uptake was monitored using proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. No detectable uptake was observed for benzene and toluene, but phenol, benzaldehyde, and benzyl alcohol were significantly taken up by the plants. The uptake rate normalized to fumigated concentration varied from 3 to 50 mmol m-2s-1 during the light period, depending on light intensity and compounds. The difference in uptake capability may be attributed not only to different metabolic activities but also to different values of Henry's law constant, which regulates the partitioning of these compounds into the liquid phase in leaves. The uptake of phenol, benzaldehyde, and benzyl alcohol was affected by stomatal conductance, suggesting that stomatal opening is the main factor regulating the uptake of the three MAHs. This is the first observation that anisole is emitted when phenol is fumigated to Spathiphyllum clevelandii, suggesting that phenol is methylated to anisole within plant leaves. Anisole is more volatile than phenol, meaning that methylation enhances the emission of xenobiotics into the atmosphere by converting them to more volatile compounds. This conversion ratio decreased with an increase in phenol concentration (from 1.3 to 143 ppbv). Considering low reaction rate coefficient of anisole with OH radicals and low conversion ratio from phenol to anisole, it is concluded that plants act to effectively remove oxygenated MAHs from the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Tani
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1, Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Moeko Koike
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1, Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Tomoki Mochizuki
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1, Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamane
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1, Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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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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7
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Phytoremediation: The Sustainable Strategy for Improving Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8110118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Most of the world’s population is exposed to highly polluted air conditions exceeding the WHO limits, causing various human diseases that lead towards increased morbidity as well as mortality. Expenditures on air purification and costs spent on the related health issues are rapidly increasing. To overcome this burden, plants are potential candidates to remove pollutants through diverse biological mechanisms involving accumulation, immobilization, volatilization, and degradation. This eco-friendly, cost-effective, and non-invasive method is considered as a complementary or alternative tool compared to engineering-based remediation techniques. Various plant species remove indoor and outdoor air pollutants, depending on their morphology, growth condition, and microbial communities. Hence, appropriate plant selection with optimized growth conditions can enhance the remediation capacity significantly. Furthermore, suitable supplementary treatments, or finding the best combination junction with other methods, can optimize the phytoremediation process.
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8
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El-Tanbouly R, Hassan Z, El-Messeiry S. The Role of Indoor Plants in air Purification and Human Health in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposal for a Novel Line of Inquiry. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:709395. [PMID: 34277711 PMCID: PMC8279815 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.709395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The last two decades have seen the discovery of novel retroviruses that have resulted in severe negative consequences for human health. In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged with a high transmission rate and severe effects on human health, with 5% infected persons requiring hospitalisation and 3.81 million deaths to date globally. Aerosol particles containing virions are considered the main source of SARS CoV-2 transmission in this pandemic, with increased infection rates in confined spaces. Consequently, public and private institutions had to institute mitigation measures including the use of facial masks and social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Moreover, the role of air purification and bio-decontamination is understood as being essential to mitigate viral spread. Various techniques can be applied to bio-decontaminate the air such as the use of filtration and radiation; however, these methods are expensive and not feasible for home use. Another method of air purification is where indoor plants can purify the air by the removal of air pollutants and habituated airborne microbes. The use of indoor plants could prove to be a cost-efficient way of indoor air-purification that could be adapted for a variety of environments with no need for special requirements and can also add an aesthetic value that can have an indirect impact on human health. In this review, we discuss the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the currently used air purification methods, and we propose the use of indoor plants as a new possible eco-friendly tool for indoor air purification and for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in confined places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania El-Tanbouly
- Department of Floriculture, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ziad Hassan
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah El-Messeiry
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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9
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Impact of Air Pollution and Weather on Dry Eye. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113740. [PMID: 33233863 PMCID: PMC7699870 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Air pollution has broad effects on human health involving many organ systems. The ocular surface is an excellent model with which to study the effects of air pollution on human health as it is in constant contact with the environment, and it is directly accessible, facilitating disease monitoring. Effects of air pollutants on the ocular surface typically manifest as dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs. In this review, we break down air pollution into particulate matter (organic and inorganic) and gaseous compounds and summarize the literature regarding effects of various exposures on DE. Additionally, we examine the effects of weather (relative humidity, temperature) on DE symptoms and signs. To do so, we conducted a PubMed search using key terms to summarize the existing literature on the effects of air pollution and weather on DE. While we tried to focus on the effect of specific exposures on specific aspects of DE, environmental conditions are often studied concomitantly, and thus, there are unavoidable interactions between our variables of interest. Overall, we found that air pollution and weather conditions have differential adverse effects on DE symptoms and signs. We discuss these findings and potential mitigation strategies, such as air purifiers, air humidifiers, and plants, that may be instituted as treatments at an individual level to address environmental contributors to DE.
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10
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Maryiantari ES, Keman S. Analysis of health risk and respiratory complaints on footwear craftsman exposed to Toluene vapour. J Public Health Res 2020; 9:1818. [PMID: 32728564 PMCID: PMC7376465 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The primary effect of toluene on the respiratory tract following inhalation is irritation. This study was conducted to analyze the level of health risks and respiratory complaints due to toluene exposure by footwear craftsmen, in order to get scientific reference for Maximum Contaminant Level and working tenure restriction. Design and Methods: A total of 51 footwear craftsmen from eight factories participated in this study. The toluene concentration in the work environment was measured according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 1501. Moreover, data were collected using an American Thoracic Society standardized questionnaire to assess respiratory health effects. A characterization of risk model was to analyze the toluene exposure risk and suggest improvements. Results: The results showed toluene levels were over the Threshold Limit Value 20 ppm (138.88 ppm). The most commonly observed respiratory symptoms included coughing by 81.3% and cold by 85.7%, Symptoms of respiratory irritation by 72.7%, higher among workers who were highly exposed to toluene above the median. This is observed from the opportunity value (P-value) of toluene exposure with the characteristics the workers of each variable which was less than 0.05 work station and working tenure. Maximum Contaminant Level of toluene is 4.59 ppm, a safe working tenure restriction for toluene exposure is maximum 25 years. Conclusions: The recommended risk control measures include ventilation improvements, personal hygiene and protection of workers through periodic physical examinations. Significance for public health Toluene levels over the Threshold Limit Value can cause irritative respiratory tract diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that workplaces are separated from domestic activities whenever possible and the workers are protected from unnecessary exposure. This study describes the level of health risks and respiratory complaints due to toluene exposure by footwear craftsmen in footwear industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soedjajadi Keman
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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11
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Zarandi AF, Shirkhanloo H, Paydar P. A novel method based on functionalized bimodal mesoporous silica nanoparticles for efficient removal of lead aerosols pollution from air by solid-liquid gas-phase extraction. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:177-188. [PMID: 32399230 PMCID: PMC7203279 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the enrichment and novel sorbent based on functionalized bimodal mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HS-UVM7 and NH2-UVM7) was used for removal of lead aerosols pollution from air by solid liquid gas phase extraction method (SLGPE). In bench scale set up, the lead aerosols [(Pb (NO3)2, PbO] was generated by dispersive aerosols generator system (DAGS) and removed from air by reaction loop (RL) / impinger trap (IT) in a liquid phase which was mixed with nano adsorbent in optimized pH. The effect of parameters such as, flow rate, volume of liquid phase, time stirring, temperature, concentration, pH and amount of sorbent (mg) were studied and evaluated by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In optimized conditions, the adsorption capacity of HS-UVM7 and NH2-UVM7 for Pb(NO3)2 aerosols was obtained 255.6 mg g-1 and 177.6 mg g-1, respectively which was more than UVM7. The lead oxides aerosols (PbO) were extracted only by HS-UVM7 at acidic pH with the adsorption capacity of 271.2 mg g-1. The characterization of SEM, XRD, TEM, and FTIR showed that the HS-UVM7 has beneficial surfaces for removal of (Pb (NO3)2 and PbO aerosols from the air by SLGPE method at pH = 5. The method validation was confirmed by standard addition and NIOSH method. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Faghihi Zarandi
- 1Occupational Health Engineering Department, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Shirkhanloo
- 2Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, West Entrance Blvd., Olympic Village, P.O. Box: 14857-33111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Paydar
- 1Occupational Health Engineering Department, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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12
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Idarraga MA, Guerrero JS, Mosle SG, Miralles F, Galor A, Kumar N. Relationships Between Short-Term Exposure to an Indoor Environment and Dry Eye (DE) Symptoms. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1316. [PMID: 32370240 PMCID: PMC7290742 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Air composition influences Dry Eye (DE) symptoms as demonstrated by studies that have linked the outdoor environment to DE. However, there is insufficient data on the effect of short-term exposure to indoor environments on DE symptoms. We conducted a prospective experimental research, in which an older building served as an experimental site, and a newer building served as the control site. Indoor air quality was monitored in both buildings. One-hundred-and-ninety-four randomly selected individuals were interviewed in the afternoon exiting the buildings and de-identified responses were recorded. Self-reported DE symptoms were modeled with respect to experimental and control buildings, adjusting for potential confounders. The experimental site had 2-fold higher concentration of airborne particulate matter (24,436 vs. 12,213 ≥ 0.5 µm/ft3) and microbial colonies (1066 vs. 400/m3), as compared to the control building. DE symptoms were reported by 37.5% of individuals exiting the experimental and 28.4% exiting the control building. In the univariate analysis, subjects exiting the experimental building were 2.21× more likely to report worsening of DE symptoms since morning compared to the control building (p < 0.05). When adjusting for confounders, including a history of eye allergy, subjects from the experimental building were 13.3× more likely to report worsening of their DE symptoms (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that short-term exposure to adverse indoor environmental conditions, specifically air pollution and bioaerosols, has an acutely negative impact on DE symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Idarraga
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.A.I.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Juan S. Guerrero
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.A.I.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Samantha G. Mosle
- Environmental Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.G.M.); (F.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Frank Miralles
- Environmental Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.G.M.); (F.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Anat Galor
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.A.I.); (J.S.G.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Environmental Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.G.M.); (F.M.); (N.K.)
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13
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Han KT, Ruan LW. Effects of indoor plants on air quality: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:16019-16051. [PMID: 32170619 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08174-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
No study has comprehensively reviewed the effects of indoor plants on air quality; therefore, this study systematically reviewed quantitative empirical research on these effects in both English and Chinese. The information sources were the Web of Science and WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform electronic databases. Only journal articles reporting quantitative empirical research were selected. The eligibility criteria included studies with (1) interventions of any indoor plant, excluding biofilters that combine power facilities and vegetation, (2) comparators included within the same experimental treatment or between different experimental treatments, (3) air quality effects objectively measured using any instrument, and (4) any study design. Both authors screened 95 journal articles and compiled information according to (1) intervention (plant species, foliage, or medium), (2) scientific family name of each plant, (3) study design (experiment, field experiment, or survey), (4) air quality (e.g., temperature, humidity, negative ions, radiation, and dust), (5) pollutants, (6) research environment, (7) ventilation (types and rates), (8) climate (lighting, temperature, and humidity), (9) exposure duration, (10) sampling frequency or period, and (11) number of replications. The primary effects of the potential of the indoor plants on air quality were reduced pollutant levels (particularly formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene removal), followed by increase in humidity and decrease in temperature. In addition, including various plant species could improve the effects of indoor vegetation on ameliorating air quality and microclimate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Tsung Han
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, No. 57, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Taiping Dist., Taichung, 41170, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Wen Ruan
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, No. 57, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Taiping Dist., Taichung, 41170, Taiwan
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14
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Zhao S, Su Y, Liang H. Efficiency and mechanism of formaldehyde removal from air by two wild plants; Plantago asiatica L . and Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2019; 17:141-150. [PMID: 31321042 PMCID: PMC6582108 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-018-00335-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Indoor potted plants played an important role in the removal of air-borne VOCs. According to the difference between plant fresh extracts and boiled extracts on breakdown ability to the added formaldehyde, a simple quantitative evaluation method was used to identify the mechanisms of formaldehyde removal from the air by wild Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. and Plantago asiatica L.. After shoots exposure to formaldehyde (1.28 mg/m3 in the air) for 24 h, the formaldehyde removal rates of P. asiatica and T. mongolicum were 73.18 and 121.20 mg/h/kg FW (fresh weight), respectively. Formaldehyde can be transported from the air to the rhizosphere solution by plants, and the maximum rates of transmission by T. mongolicum and P. asiatica were 23.73 and 83.08 mg/h/kg FW, respectively. Although plant metabolism was responsible for formaldehyde loss in the air-plant-solution system, and the metabolic activity depended on the enzymatic and redox reactions in the plants, P. asiatica and T. mongolicum are still good candidate species for developing phyto-microbial technologies. The redox reaction was the main mechanism used by P. asiatica shoots to dissipate formaldehyde, while the enzymatic reaction was the main mechanism used by T. mongolicum. The higher oxidative potential and lower defensive enzyme activity in P. asiatica shoots led to its higher formaldehyde removal rate compared to T. mongolicum. Meanwhile, the stronger redox reaction ability in the T. mongolicum roots was partly responsible for its lower formaldehyde transmission rate. The results show two plants have strong tolerance to formaldehyde in the air and good formaldehyde removal ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suya Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Su
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanxiao Liang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046 People’s Republic of China
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15
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Deng L, Deng Q. The basic roles of indoor plants in human health and comfort. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:36087-36101. [PMID: 30387059 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Humans have a close relationship with nature, and so integrating the nature world into indoor space could effectively increase people's engagement with nature, and this in turn may benefit their health and comfort. Since people spend 80-90% of their time indoors, the indoor environment is very important for their health. Indoor plants are part of natural indoor environment, but their effect on the indoor environment and on humans has not been quantified. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the role and importance of indoor plants in human health and comfort according to the following four criteria: photosynthesis; transpiration; psychological effects; and purification. Photosynthesis and transpiration are important mechanisms for plants, and the basic functions maintaining the carbon and oxygen cycles in nature. Above all have potential inspiration to human's activities that people often ignored, for example, the application of solar panel, artificial photosynthesis, and green roof/facades were motivated by those functions. Indoor plants have also been shown to have indirect unconscious psychological effect on task performance, health, and levels of stress. Indoor plants can act as indoor air purifiers, they are an effective way to reduce pollutants indoor to reduce human exposure, and have been widely studied in this regard. Indoor plants have potential applications in other fields, including sensing, solar energy, acoustic, and people's health and comfort. Making full use of various effects in plants benefit human health and comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjing Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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16
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Medina MC, Hoyos-Gómez SE, Demarco D, Tuberquia D. Peculiar anatomical traits, high durability, and potential ornamental use of Cyclanthaceae as fresh foliage. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2017; 89:2399-2410. [PMID: 29069136 DOI: 10.1590/0001-376520172-170128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild plant species with potential for use as ornamental green foliage are often reported. Nevertheless, there are few studies evaluating morphological and anatomical aspects associated with this use. Preliminary trials suggest that the species of Sphaeradenia (Sander ex Mast.) Harling, a Cyclantaceae that occurs from Costa Rica to Peru, is suitable to be used as fresh foliage because of attractiveness of their leaves in vase and its durability without showing tissue damage, compared with other genera of this family. Through the study of anatomical characters, it is possible to predict the potential of a species that can serve as ornamental foliage. In this study, three foliar anatomical features (thickness of the cuticle and leaf, and percentage of fibers in the mesophyll) of seven Cyclanthaceae species were evaluated, using anatomical techniques and image analysis with the LUCIA® and ImageJ softwares. Statistical analysis of the results suggests that this high durability is associated with the thickness of the cuticle and mesophyll, but not with the amount of fibers in the leaf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Camila Medina
- Programa de Biología, Universidad CES, Medellín, Calle 10 A No. 22-4, Antioquia, Colombia.,Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 11461, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Diego Demarco
- Programa de Biología, Universidad CES, Medellín, Calle 10 A No. 22-4, Antioquia, Colombia.,Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 11461, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dino Tuberquia
- Programa de Biología, Universidad CES, Medellín, Calle 10 A No. 22-4, Antioquia, Colombia
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17
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Wei X, Lyu S, Yu Y, Wang Z, Liu H, Pan D, Chen J. Phylloremediation of Air Pollutants: Exploiting the Potential of Plant Leaves and Leaf-Associated Microbes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1318. [PMID: 28804491 PMCID: PMC5532450 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is air contaminated by anthropogenic or naturally occurring substances in high concentrations for a prolonged time, resulting in adverse effects on human comfort and health as well as on ecosystems. Major air pollutants include particulate matters (PMs), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxides (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). During the last three decades, air has become increasingly polluted in countries like China and India due to rapid economic growth accompanied by increased energy consumption. Various policies, regulations, and technologies have been brought together for remediation of air pollution, but the air still remains polluted. In this review, we direct attention to bioremediation of air pollutants by exploiting the potentials of plant leaves and leaf-associated microbes. The aerial surfaces of plants, particularly leaves, are estimated to sum up to 4 × 108 km2 on the earth and are also home for up to 1026 bacterial cells. Plant leaves are able to adsorb or absorb air pollutants, and habituated microbes on leaf surface and in leaves (endophytes) are reported to be able to biodegrade or transform pollutants into less or nontoxic molecules, but their potentials for air remediation has been largely unexplored. With advances in omics technologies, molecular mechanisms underlying plant leaves and leaf associated microbes in reduction of air pollutants will be deeply examined, which will provide theoretical bases for developing leaf-based remediation technologies or phylloremediation for mitigating pollutants in the air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangying Wei
- Fujian Univeristy Key Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Department of Environmental Horticulture and Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of FloridaApopka, FL, United States
| | - Shiheng Lyu
- Department of Environmental Horticulture and Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of FloridaApopka, FL, United States
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Ying Yu
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- Fujian Univeristy Key Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Fujian Univeristy Key Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- College of Resource and Environmental Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Dongming Pan
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Fujian Univeristy Key Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Department of Environmental Horticulture and Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of FloridaApopka, FL, United States
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
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18
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Kim KJ, Kim HJ, Khalekuzzaman M, Yoo EH, Jung HH, Jang HS. Removal ratio of gaseous toluene and xylene transported from air to root zone via the stem by indoor plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:6149-58. [PMID: 26797953 PMCID: PMC6763410 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6065-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This work was designed to investigate the removal efficiency as well as the ratios of toluene and xylene transported from air to root zone via the stem and by direct diffusion from the air into the medium. Indoor plants (Schefflera actinophylla and Ficus benghalensis) were placed in a sealed test chamber. Shoot or root zone were sealed with a Teflon bag, and gaseous toluene and xylene were exposed. Removal efficiency of toluene and total xylene (m, p, o) was 13.3 and 7.0 μg·m(-3)·m(-2) leaf area over a 24-h period in S. actinophylla, and was 13.0 and 7.3 μg·m(-3)·m(-2) leaf area in F. benghalensis. Gaseous toluene and xylene in a chamber were absorbed through leaf and transported via the stem, and finally reached to root zone, and also transported by direct diffusion from the air into the medium. Toluene and xylene transported via the stem was decreased with time after exposure. Xylene transported via the stem was higher than that by direct diffusion from the air into the medium over a 24-h period. The ratios of toluene transported via the stem versus direct diffusion from the air into the medium were 46.3 and 53.7% in S. actinophylla, and 46.9 and 53.1% in F. benghalensis, for an average of 47 and 53% for both species. The ratios of m,p-xylene transported over 3 to 9 h via the stem versus direct diffusion from the air into the medium was 58.5 and 41.5% in S. actinophylla, and 60.7 and 39.3% in F. benghalensis, for an average of 60 and 40% for both species, whereas the ratios of o-xylene transported via the stem versus direct diffusion from the air into the medium were 61 and 39%. Both S. actinophylla and F. benghalensis removed toluene and xylene from the air. The ratios of toluene and xylene transported from air to root zone via the stem were 47 and 60 %, respectively. This result suggests that root zone is a significant contributor to gaseous toluene and xylene removal, and transported via the stem plays an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Kim
- Urban Agriculture Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 560-852, Korea.
| | - H J Kim
- Urban Agriculture Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 560-852, Korea
| | - M Khalekuzzaman
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - E H Yoo
- Urban Agriculture Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 560-852, Korea
| | - H H Jung
- Urban Agriculture Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 560-852, Korea
| | - H S Jang
- Urban Agriculture Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, 560-852, Korea
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