Chapter 11 - Plant physiological mechanisms of air treatment

Abstract

With people in urban areas spending most of their time indoors, methods to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) have recently emerged as an important research field. The role of plants for air purification within interior spaces has thus become a developing branch within the field of phytoremediation. This chapter presents mechanisms by which plant systems improve IAQ, particularly in regards to volatile organic compound (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and CO2 removal. Metabolic pathways whereby VOCs are degraded in plant cells are presented. Factors affecting different plant processes and therefore mechanisms of removal are discussed. The role and contribution to botanical air purification of plant-associated microorganisms, a crucial but often neglected driver of air purification, is also highlighted. Further, plant physiological aspects that influence how plants capture and retain PM are presented. The ability of plants to remove CO2 and regulate relative humidity and temperature in interior spaces is also examined. Some aspects highlighting the potential of plants in the removal of other relevant gases such as NO2 and SO2 are additionally addressed. Finally, advancements in improving plant processes for enhanced air purification capacity are explored, specifically at the molecular level.