The influence of phytoncidal properties of indoor plants on the air microflora of preschool educational organizations

BACKGROUND: The quality of indoor air is an important factor affecting health. AIM: To study the effect of phytoncidal properties of indoor plants on closed space under normal operating conditions of preschool educational institutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dynamics of the microorganisms’ total number in the air of group rooms of preschool educational institutions was assessed according to current guidelines. The rooms were identical in area. The radius of phytoncidal action of indoor plants was determined. Air samples were taken after a week of exposure at different distances from a group of these plants in the breathing zone of children using an aspiration method with a sampling device. Statistical processing was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 and Microsoft Excel packages, ANOVA analysis of variance was applied. RESULTS: Plant species with phytoncidal activity were selected and designated (Chlorophytum comosum, Aspidistra elatior, Begonia ricinifolia, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Murraya exotica, Nephrolepis, Sansevieria trifasciata, Cyperus alternifolius). The total number of microorganisms in the air of group rooms before and after the installation of phytoncidal plants was compared (1201 and 584 CFU/m3). The maximum radius of plant placement at which bacterial contamination of the air decreased was determined. It was found that within a radius of 5 m from the placement of plants, the number of microorganisms was in the range of 380–481 CFU/m3, more than 5 m — 728–1101 CFU/m3. CONCLUSION: The use of indoor plants with phytoncidal activity in closed spaces of organized children's groups can serve as an additional way to improve the quality of the air environment.