Comparison of Indoor CO₂ Removal Capability of Five Foliage Plants by Photosynthesis
2010
Park, S.A., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Kim, M.G., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Yoo, M.H., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Oh, M.M., Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea | Son, K.C., Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
This study was conducted to determine the effects of foliage plants on reducing indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂). Five foliage plants such as Hedera helix L., Ficus benjamina L., Pachira aquatica, Chamaedorea elegans, and Ficus elastica were selected and cultivated in two different growth medium (peatmoss and hydroball). Each plant was placed in an airtight chamber and then treated with the combinations of two different CO₂ concentrations (500 or 1,000 ppm) and two different light intensities (50 or 200 μmolㆍm-²ㆍs-¹). The change of CO₂ concentration (ppm) in the airtight chamber during day and night was measured and then converted into the photosynthetic rate (μmol CO₂ㆍm-²ㆍs-¹). As the results, each foliage plant reduced CO₂ level in the airtight chamber for one hour by photosynthesis. Pachira aquatica and Ficus elastica absorbed CO₂ more effectively compared to the other plants. The plants exposed to higher CO₂ concentration (1,000 ppm) and higher light intensity (200 μmolㆍm-²ㆍs-¹) showed more effective CO₂ elimination rate and photosynthetic rate. The plants that have wide leaves and big leaf areas such as Pachira aquatica, Hedera helix L., and Ficus elastica showed higher photosynthetic rate than the other plants that have smaller leaves. Released CO₂ concentration by respiration of the plants during the night was very low compared to the absorbed CO₂ concentration by photosynthesis during the day. There was no significant difference between peatmoss and hydroball medium on reducing CO₂ concentration and increasing photosynthetic rate. In conclusion, this study suggested that foliage plants can effectively eliminate indoor CO₂. Optimum environmental control in relation to photosyntheis and usage of right indoor foliage plants having lots of leaves and showing active photosynthesis even under low light intensity like indoor light condition would be required to increase the elimination capacity of indoor CO₂.
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