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Scientists Developed A Plant That Can Clean Your Home’s Air

  • Avatar photoRishita Diwan
  • |February 3, 2024
  • , 1:11 pm
Post Views: 648

Did you know that the air inside our homes can contain harmful substances like chloroform and benzene that have been linked to cancer?  Traditional air filters can help, but they come with their own set of issues.

But now, scientists at the University of Washington have found a natural solution – a specially engineered houseplant. However, scientists have come up with an ingenious solution – genetically modified houseplants, specifically pothos ivy, designed to purify the air we breathe.

How Pothos Ivy Became a Green Air Purifier

The key to this breakthrough is a protein called 2E1, present in mammals, including humans. Normally found in our livers and activated when we consume alcohol, 2E1 has the ability to transform harmful substances like benzene into safer components, such as phenol, and chloroform into carbon dioxide and chloride particles.

The challenge was to bring this process outside of the body and into a plant, giving birth to the concept of a “green liver.” This protein not only helps the plant remove pollutants but also contributes to its growth by utilizing the transformed molecules.

Testing Results and Future Enhancements

The researchers took on the task of modifying the gene responsible for producing the rabbit version of 2E1. They introduced this engineered gene into pothos ivy, ensuring every cell in the plant expressed the protein. Despite taking over two years for the entire process, the team chose pothos ivy for its resilience as a houseplant that can thrive under various conditions.

To test the effectiveness of these super plants, the scientists compared them with regular pothos ivy. In glass cylinders, they introduced benzene and chloroform gases, tracking the concentration changes over 11 days.

The results were impressive – the concentration of chloroform dropped by 82% after three days, becoming almost undetectable by day six. Benzene concentration also decreased, though more slowly, reaching a 75% reduction by day eight.

While these tests used higher pollutant concentrations than typically found in homes, the researchers are confident that similar, if not faster, reductions would occur at home levels over the same timeframe. To optimize the plant’s capabilities, the team is now working on incorporating a protein that can break down formaldehyde, another harmful compound found in homes from sources like wood products and tobacco smoke.

Importance of Indoor Air Purifying Plants

1. Plants Fight Bad Stuff in the Air:

Our homes have lots of things that make the air not so great, like chemicals from furniture and paint, and even the carbon dioxide we breathe out. But, did you know plants like Spider Plants and Peace Lilies can grab these bad things and turn them into good stuff, like oxygen? It’s like they’re giving our air a makeover!

2. Plants Make the Air Moist and Nice:

Some plants release water vapor into the air, kind of like when we sweat. This makes the air more humid, which is super helpful, especially when it’s dry inside. Besides making it easier to breathe, it’s also good for our skin and helps our breathing stay healthy.

3. Plants Make Us Feel Happy and Focused:

Being around nature or just having green plants in our space can make us less stressed and more content. When plants clean the air and give off oxygen, it’s like a boost for our brains! It helps us think better, feel happier, and concentrate more.

4. Plants Clean the Air Without Breaking the Bank:

Some machines that clean the air can be expensive and need lots of care. But guess what? Plants are like nature’s air purifiers, and they don’t cost much. With some love and attention, they can stick around for a long time, making sure our air stays fresh and clean.

5. Plants Keep Us Healthy:

Breathing in bad air inside our homes can lead to all kinds of problems, like headaches, allergies, and even serious stuff like asthma. Luckily, plants are like superheroes that take away those bad things from the air, helping us stay healthy and happy.

6. Plants Are Good for the Planet:

Having plants at home isn’t just good for us; it’s good for the planet too! Plants are a cool way to show we can live together with nature. They’re like little eco-friendly buddies, making our homes greener and supporting a friendly relationship between us and the environment.

Positive Takeaway

These genetically modified houseplants offer a sustainable and natural way to combat indoor air pollution. They serve as a promising step towards creating healthier and safer living environments. However, for optimal results, these plants would need to be placed in an enclosed space with airflow, such as near a fan.

The “green liver” concept may revolutionize the way we think about air purification, making our homes not only beautiful with greenery but also healthier places to live. The future holds the promise of more enhanced and efficient super plants that can tackle a broader range of indoor pollutants, making them an invaluable addition to our households.

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Rishita Diwan

Content Writer

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