Development of a hybrid air purification unit for the indoors in tropics

Abstract

Indoor air pollution poses a critical concern in today's world, influenced by various factors. Ensuring a safe indoor environment demands addressing the profound impact of pollution. Multiple strategies have been deployed to mitigate indoor air pollution, with a focal point emerging as biofiltration using indoor plants. This prompted a thorough exploration into the capacity of NASA-recommended indoor plants, which had undergone minimal experimentation in tropical climates. Simultaneously, an assessment was made on the efficacy of indigenous herb plants in curbing indoor air pollution. The plant selection process involved using a plant selection matrix to identify the most suitable plants for the study. Individual plant performances were rigorously tested within controlled chamber studies, evaluating their abilities to reduce carbon dioxide and other pollutant gases. The net performance of plant leaf area in carbon dioxide assimilation was measured and compared, resulting in a ranking of plants based on their performances. Among these categories, the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum blandum) and Thippili (Piper longum) plants emerged as the top performers. Using these selected plants, a hybrid air purification unit was innovated, combining natural plant-based purification with modern technology and additional functionalities. Subsequently, the actual-scale performance of this developed system was assessed to determine its environmental sustainability. A comprehensive questionnaire was employed to gauge the social sustainability aspect. The plants' performances were also evaluated in air-conditioned settings, followed by an economic comparison to ascertain practical feasibility. The culmination of these endeavors has revealed that employing specific combinations of indoor plants facilitates achieving desired indoor air quality levels, particularly in terms of reducing carbon dioxide levels. This practice is beneficial economically and is highly recommended for indoor spaces where individuals spend approximately 90% of their time. Ensuring indoor safety becomes paramount, and this Hybrid Air Purification Unit not only contributes to energy savings and enhances environmental air quality but also encompasses the immeasurable aesthetic and therapeutic effects of plants. Keywords: Air Purification, Carbon Dioxide, Hydroponic Cultivation, Indoor Air Quality, Indoor Plants