Volatile organic compounds, SO2 and NO2 capture by means of an indoor active living wall

The ability of an active living wall (ALW) to capture indoor air pollutants was studied. Five different species ( Spathiphyllum wallisii , Tradescantia zebrina , Philodendron scandens , Ficus pumila and Chlorophytum comosum ) were assessed. The experiments were performed inside a closed glass chamber for each species separately. Gas pollutants (NO 2 and SO 2 ) and volatile organic compounds (formaldehyde, acetone, n-hexane and n-heptane) were introduced into the chamber monitoring concentration changes. High values of the Pollutant Reduction (PR%) indicator were recorded after releasing pollutants in the chamber, especially for CH 2 O and SO 2 . After 24 h, PR% in the chamber ranged 96-98% for all the plant species studied. The ALW was more efficient in removing CH 2 O and NO 2 than other air contaminants. In addition, differences in Differential Reduction Efficiency (DRE%) indicator were observed among plant species depending on the pollutant considered. After 15 minutes from the injection of TVOCs, a reduction of 24-40% was achieved with all plant species but S. wallisii showed greater DRE for NO 2 , with 60% reduction in the first hour of exposure. The presented data demonstrates the effectiveness of active living wall systems for improving indoor air quality. • Spathiphyllum wallisi is particularly efficient to reduce NO 2 • Active living wall improve indoor air quality • Pollutant’s reduction capacity of the ALW did not decrease over time