Nature based solution for indoor air quality treatment

Abstract

Plants have the ability to absorb and degrade VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Foliage can intercept particulate matter (PM) and thus, help to reduce its concentration in the air. Plants can be used as filters in indoor conditions adding an ecosystem service to the decorative purpose. A plant-based air filtration system that actively improves indoor air quality has been developed and installed at a students' residence at Brunel University, London. This unit replaces an existing window with a mini-greenhouse containing upwards of 30 plants and is connected to an air circuit to treat the indoor air. A monitoring plan is collecting data on the performance of the solution until at least the end of 2021. Preliminary results are presented, which indicate good effectiveness at reducing tVOCs and lower efficiency at reducing PM.