Ordinary potted house plants have the ability to significantly reduce air pollution in both homes and offices.
According to new research conducted by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society, this is the case (RHS).
During a series of studies monitoring ordinary houseplants exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a common pollutant, researchers calculated that the plants may lower NO2 by up to 20% in some situations.
Tested by Researchers
The researchers looked at three houseplants that are often seen in homes, are easy to care for, and are not too expensive to purchase. The peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), maize plant (Dracaena fragrans), and fern arum were among them (Zamioculcas zamiifolia).
[Note that all three plants are harmful to dogs and cats, according to the ASPCA.]Each plant was placed in its own test chamber, which contained NO2 levels equal to an office close to a busy road.
The scientists calculated that over the course of an hour, all of the plants, regardless of species, were able to eliminate roughly half of the NO2 in the room.
The plants’ performance was unaffected by their surroundings, such as whether they were in light or dark settings or whether the soil was moist or dry.
Understanding the limits of what plants can provide helps us plan and advise on planting combinations that not only look good but also provide an important environmental service,” said Dr. Tijana Blanusa, principal horticultural scientist at the RHS and one of the researchers involved in the study published in Air Quality, Atmosphere, and Health.
