Phytoremediation potential of potted plant species against vehicular emissions

Urbanization and industrialization are exponentially deteriorating air quality, ecosystems, and human health. Phytoremediation is cost cost-effective, sustainable, and nature-based solution against air pollution. This study is designed to evaluate four species, <i>Chlorophytum comosum</i>, <i>Rhapis excels</i>a, <i>Spathiphyllum wallisii</i>, and <i>Ficus benjamina</i> for their phytoremediation potential. The experimental setup consisted of a sealed chamber to place potted plants and equipment, it was also connected to the vehicular exhaust pipe. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index was highest for <i>F. benjamina</i> (12.19) and lowest for <i>Rhapis excels</i> (8.58)<i>. C. comosum</i> has the highest VOC removal efficiency (90%, 0.172 ppm h^-1). NO_x remediation was highest by <i>F. benjamina</i> with 0.057 ppm h^-1 (77%) removal efficiency. SO_x and CO were remediated more efficiently by <i>C. comosum,</i> as 89%, (0.18 ppm h^-1) and 80% (0.23 ppm h^-1), respectively. <i>R. excelsa</i> reduced a higher concentration of NH₃ (77%, 0.06 ppm h^-1) compared to other species. <i>R. excelsa</i> and <i>S. wallisii</i> may serve as bio-indicator species. These findings provide a sustainable, natural, economical, and eco-friendly way to mitigate air pollution. <i>F. benjamina</i> and <i>C. comosum</i> are suitable species for urban landscapes, green spaces, urban plantations, and green walls to curb air pollutants due to traffic and industries.