A systematic review on phytoremediation of indoor air pollution

Rebekha Mushahary; Anamika Nath; Samantha Chutia; Pratibha Deka

doi:10.18502/japh.v9i2.15928

Rebekha Mushahary Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
Anamika Nath Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
Samantha Chutia Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
Pratibha Deka Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v9i2.15928

Keywords: Indoor air; Conventional and enhanced phytoremediation; Removal efficiencies; Potted plants

Abstract

Degradation of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) due to confined spaces and insufficient ventilation has become a serious concern to human health. Published literature has established phytoremediation as an efficient removal mechanism of indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene, Xylene (BTEX), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Particulate Matter (PM) using potted plants. This review discusses both conventional and enhanced phytoremediation for removing air pollutants and the parameters influencing the removal efficiencies. A literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to identify published literature on indoor air phytoremediation. After eliminating duplicates and reviewing articles, the articles related to indoor air phytoremediation from 2011 to the present were selected. The database was managed using Mendeley reference manager. Indoor air pollutants can be removed efficiently through phytoremediation using potted plants. Chlorophytum comosum removed the broadest range of contaminants, whereas Epipremnum aureum is the frequently used plant species for pollutant removal. Adding enhancing factors to the plant enhances their ability to remove pollutants. Inoculation of plants with soil bacteria such as Bacillus cereus ERBP is the most common enhancement method reported. The present study highlighted advancements in phytoremediation and factors affecting the pollutant removal efficiencies of plants. The findings demonstrated that enhanced phytoremediation is more effective at removing pollutants than the conventional method. Depending on the plant species used, the removal of indoor air pollutants may vary. The findings suggested that a combination of various plant species could be used to remove indoor air pollutants more efficiently.