Phytoremediation: Harnessing Plants for Cleaner Indoor and Outdoor Air

Human health is significantly affected by both outdoor and indoor air pollution. Outdoor and indoor pollutants such as particulate matter (PM ), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO),Volatile organic compounds such as xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, benzene and Poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) etc. are responsible for heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, acute respiratory infections and neurological impairments etc. that leads to about 7 million premature deaths every year. Phytoremediation is one of the sustainable solutions to tackle with such problems as well as an effective and eco-friendly approach. Phytoremediation technology utilizes plants to improve air quality and reduce health hazards by absorbing, filtration, and degradation of pollutants. Outdoor Pants like Neem (Azadirachta indica), White gum (Eucalyptus criminals), Black poplar (Populus nigra), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Peepal (Ficus religiosa) etc. effectively absorb toxins and particulate matter, similarly indoor plants like - Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Peace lily (Spathiphyllum), and Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) etc. also remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants like- formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, enhancing air quality. This paper explores the health effects of various pollutants and the role of different outdoor and indoor plants in phytoremediation. Promoting the use of these plants can provide a natural and sustainable way to combat pollution and create healthier living environments.