In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Scientific Reports*, researchers have uncovered a promising solution to combat indoor air pollution, particularly in enclosed spaces like pharmaceutical laboratories. The study, led by Safinaz M. Elhadad from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, evaluated the air phytoremediation potential of four common ornamental potted plants. Air phytoremediation, or AP, is the process by which plants absorb and break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, acting as natural biofilters.
The research focused on four plant species: Epipremnum aureum (commonly known as golden pothos), Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant), Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead plant), and Cordyline fruticosa (ti plant). These plants were tested in various environments, including incubator chambers, laminar airflow cabinets, and a pharmaceutical organic lab. The initial concentrations of VOCs like benzene, toluene, benzaldehyde, and acetophenone ranged between 10 and 8 ppm.
The findings were impressive. Cordyline fruticosa emerged as the top performer, with an 87.5% removal efficiency, reducing the mean VOC concentration from 2.92 ppm to just 0.36 ppm. Syngonium podophyllum followed closely with an 81.69% removal efficiency. Epipremnum aureum and Chlorophytum comosum also showed significant results, with removal efficiencies of 77.23% and 62.5%, respectively.
According to Elhadad, “These findings highlight the potential of AP as a natural, cost-effective solution for VOC mitigation, offering a practical approach to environmental management and sustainable indoor design in laboratory settings.” The study also revealed that a combined application of Cordyline fruticosa and Syngonium podophyllum in Plant-Based Bio-Filters (PBBFs) significantly improved indoor air quality, reducing levels of TVOC, CO2, CO, PM2.5, and PM10.
For maritime professionals, this research opens up new avenues for improving air quality in enclosed spaces like ship cabins, control rooms, and medical facilities onboard. The use of potted plants as natural biofilters could be a game-changer, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to indoor air pollution. As Elhadad noted, “The potential of AP as a natural, cost-effective solution for VOC mitigation offers a practical approach to environmental management and sustainable indoor design.”
The commercial implications are vast. Shipping companies could incorporate these plants into their design and maintenance protocols, enhancing the well-being of their crew and passengers. Moreover, the maritime industry could explore partnerships with plant suppliers to develop specialized PBBFs tailored for maritime environments.
In conclusion, this study not only sheds light on the effectiveness of air phytoremediation but also paves the way for innovative, sustainable solutions in the maritime sector. As the industry continues to prioritize environmental sustainability and crew well-being, the integration of potted plants as natural biofilters could become a standard practice.