Morphological and Chemical Evaluations of Leaf Surface on Particulate Matter2.5 (PM2.5) Removal in a Botanical Plant-Based Biofilter System

Abstract

Particulate matter has been increasing worldwide causing air pollution and serious health hazards. Owing to increased time spent indoors and lifestyle changes, assessing indoor air quality has become crucial. This study investigated the effect of watering and drought and illumination conditions (constant light, light/dark cycle, and constant dark) on particulate matter2.5 (PM2.5) removal and surface characterization of leaf in a botanical plant-based biofilter system. Using Ardisia japonica and Hedera helix as experimental plants in the plant-based biofilter system, PM2.5, volatile organic carbon, and CO2, as the evaluators of indoor air quality, were estimated using a sensor. Morphological and chemical changes of the leaf surface (i.e., roughness and wax) associated with PM2.5 removal were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The highest PM2.5 removal efficiency, stomata closure, high leaf roughness, and wax layer were observed under drought with constant light condition. Consequently, PM2.5 removal was attributed to the combined effect of leaf roughness and wax by adsorption rather than stomatal uptake. These results suggest that operating conditions of indoor plant-based biofilter system such as watering (or drought) and illumination may be applied as a potential strategy for enhancing PM2.5 removal.

Woody Plants Interaction with Aerosol Fine Particulate Matters and Copper in Budapest

“…The order of fine PM capture in our study was T. tomentosa, A. platanoides, F. excelsior, A. hippocastanum. This is because the characteristic features of the leaf surface highly impact the PM accumulation (Aničić et al, 2011;Norouzi et al, 2015;Nadgórska-Socha et al, 2017;Choi et al, 2021). The abaxial surface of the leaf appears to retain a higher number of fine PM than the adaxial surface, because such a leaf components, like trichomes and granulated epicuticular wax layer increase the PM accumulation (Chen et al, 2017;Gajbhiye et al, 2019).…”

Submerged leaves of live indoor foliage plants adsorb H1N1 influenza virus from suspension

“… 4 , 7–9 Using these interactions, which are known as phytoremediation, attempts have been made to control pollution in indoor environments. 10 , 11 However, owing to the diversity of plant-related characteristics, such as differences in their rhizosphere, phyllosphere, metabolism, and foliage structure, the applicability of plants for phytoremediation for indoor pollution control has not yet been completely examined. 12 Recent studies, therefore, have focused on the underlying phytoremediation mechanisms of the plant foliar system for hazardous particles.…”

“… 12 Recent studies, therefore, have focused on the underlying phytoremediation mechanisms of the plant foliar system for hazardous particles. 4 , 8 , 11 , 13 , 14 The surface and morphological characteristics of leaves of specific species are important parameters for the phytoremediation capacity of plants. 11 , 15 Hence, understanding the phytoremediation mechanisms related to the removal of particles through plant shoot and root systems may provide a more versatile method for removing toxic materials, such as human pathogenic viruses (HPVs).…”