The effects of <i>Chlorophytum comosum</i> on the indoor air quality

Abstract

In this paper, the authors assess the ability of Chlorophytum comosum to absorb formaldehyde in closed rooms. Chlorophytum comosum was used as a model for studying the gas-absorbing activity of indoor plants. A Chlorophytum comosum plant with a leaf area of 0,46 m was placed in a sealed exposure chamber with a volume of 0,7 m. As a model source of pollution, 10% formaldehyde was used, for three days daily sprayed in chamber in the form of an aerosol at a concentration that 2,5-fold exceeded a maximum permissible one. Immediately after spraying, air samples were taken for an hour and a half. A similar chamber without a plant was used as control. Within an hour and a half after spraying, the concentration of formaldehyde in the chamber with plant significantly decreased compared to the control chamber. The rate of absorption of formaldehyde by the plant was the highest on the first day of the experiment. The results obtained show that the Chlorophytum comosum plant is able to effectively absorb formaldehyde from indoor air, up to regulated levels. However, prolonged exposure to formaldehyde leads to a decrease in the absorption capacity, without affecting the viability of the plant itself. Chlorophytum comosum can be recommended for improving the indoor air environment.