Use of living pot-plants to cleanse indoor air - Research review

Posted by Phil Hollins on Aug 4, 2016

Authors: Tarran, J., Torpy, F. and Burchett, M.

Year of publication: 2007

Publication: In Proceedings Of 6th Internat. Conf. On Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation & Energy Conservation,-Sustainable Built Environment (pp. 249-256).

Keywords: plants, CO2, CO, indoor air quality,

Link to publication

This short article (2007) reviews the research conducted by a number of authors that demonstrate the ability of indoor potted-plants to remove air pollutants, enhance air quality and occupant well-being. Findings from the author's own research are presented, together with new data that underlines the beneficial impact of indoor planting.

The evidence suggests, that indoor plants can:

  • Reduce total volatile organic compound (TVOC) loads, by, to below 100 ppb
  • Function well with or without air-conditioning and in light or dark
  • Are able to potentially remove indoor CO2

 

Finally, the authors conclude that the potted-plant microcosm is a portable, flexible and innovative low-cost technology for solving indoor air problems that can adversely effect human health.
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