Empirical Study on Ornamental Plants Mitigation Potential for VOCS Emissions from Construction Sealants in Buildings

¹ Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, 10800 Bangkok, Thailand
² Sustainable Environment Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of ornamental plants to mitigate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), a major concern for improving indoor air quality in buildings. The empirical study employed a two-stage approach to quantify plant performance against construction sealant emissions. First, a controlled chamber test was conducted to assess the individual VOCs absorption capacities of nine ornamental plants. Second, those high-performing plants were selected for a subsequent mock-up room test to simulate the real-size effect in practical application. Results from both tests consistently showed that Spathiphyllum sp. and Hedera helix L. cv. Glacier exhibited high mitigation potential performance for VOCs emissions, where Chlorophytum bichetii (Karrer) Backer emerged as the most effective in the mock-up room test. These findings suggested that the significant reduction in VOCs concentrations depend upon species-specific variation in phytoremediation efficiency, necessitating a selective approach to plant specification. It is also recommended that the strategic integration of these biophilic design interventions, as ornamental plant placement, with mechanical ventilation strategies can be allied for a holistic approach to enhancing indoor air quality and supporting occupant health and well-being.