| Abstract [eng] |
Most indoor environments are polluted by volatile organic compounds originating from building materials, furniture, cleaning or personal care products. This poses risk to human health. Many investigations demonstrated that plant can be used for purification of indoor air. Based on the literature review, climatic conditions and economic factors, it may be conlcuded that ivy (Hedera helix) and ficus (Ficus benjamina) are one of the most suitable plants for indoor air purification. In this study effectiveness of toluene and TCE decomposition by ivy (Hedera helix) and ficus (Ficus benjamina) in a test chamber was investigated. During the measurement campaigns air was pumped through the chamber at a flow rate 1 l/min. Measurements were done at two different initial concentrations - 120 μg/m3 and 303μg/m3 as well as different light conditions (daylight, artificial light and darkness). At all light conditions the ficus was more effective to decompose toluene, while the ivy was more effective in case of TCE. The highest decomposition effectiveness was achieved in case of ficus under artificial light. Compared to initial the concentration of toluene was reduced 9 times, the effectiveness of 89,7 % was reached. The ivy under artificial light reduced concentration of toluene to 12,73 μg/m3 (70,4 % effectiveness). It was estimated that in case of ficus decomposition of TCE is not happening. Decomposition reaction rates were calculated. The highest reaction rate was in case of ficus under artificial light, the rate constat was 9,5*10-3 min-1. The lowest reaction rate was estimated to be for the decomposition by ivy in daylight. It was calculated that for decomposition of volatile organic compounds originating from building materials in newly constructed building at a room of 12,5 m2 size (32,5 m3), 20 pot ivy plants (foliage area 0,14 m2) or 2.8 m2 foliage area is sufficient. |
