Environmental Project's Achievements Reports Query System

Reduce air pollutants of interior places in the hospital by using indoor plants

Absrtact	The aim of the project was to study the air pollutants in four locations of a hospital building, and the ability of the plant species to reduce air pollutants. Carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde, particulate matter (PM) concentrations were monitored at medical working area, family salon, register area, and pharmacy. Each location were monitored for seasonal effect (spring, summer and autumn). Results showed that CO2 concentration was lower at the medical working area compared to other locations. All locations had higher CO2 concentrations in autumn. Throughout monitoring period, average CO2 concentrations exceed 600 ppm as recommended by EPA. Medical working area and family salon had higher formaldehyde concentrations than the other two locations. Neither locations exceed 0.1 ppm formaldehyde as recommended by EPA. Hospital lobby had higher PM concentrations than the other two locations, especially at register area. Neither locations exceed PM concentration as recommended by EPA. Plant installation had little effect on CO2 and formaldehyde concentrations of the four locations tested. However, plant installation did reduce total suspended particulate matter concentrations, and slightly reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Twenty-five indoor plant species, including six Taiwan-native species, were placed in the hospital areas. Results showed that, except at pharmacy, many plant species had low or negative net photosynthetic rate on day 7 after placing in the hospital areas. Recommended plant species for all four locations were parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) and English ivy (Hedera helix). Plants with higher net photosynthetic rates under low light conditions were Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ and golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Among Taiwan-native plant species tested, Podocarpus macrophyllus and Nageia nagi had better performance, but the plants should be placed at brighter sites. Three tutor conferences were held on Aug 9th, 16th, and 23rd for promoting community greening.
Keyword	indoor plants;carbon dioxide;formaldehyde

Absrtact

The aim of the project was to study the air pollutants in four locations of a hospital building, and the ability of the plant species to reduce air pollutants. Carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde, particulate matter (PM) concentrations were monitored at medical working area, family salon, register area, and pharmacy. Each location were monitored for seasonal effect (spring, summer and autumn). Results showed that CO2 concentration was lower at the medical working area compared to other locations. All locations had higher CO2 concentrations in autumn. Throughout monitoring period, average CO2 concentrations exceed 600 ppm as recommended by EPA. Medical working area and family salon had higher formaldehyde concentrations than the other two locations. Neither locations exceed 0.1 ppm formaldehyde as recommended by EPA. Hospital lobby had higher PM concentrations than the other two locations, especially at register area. Neither locations exceed PM concentration as recommended by EPA. Plant installation had little effect on CO2 and formaldehyde concentrations of the four locations tested. However, plant installation did reduce total suspended particulate matter concentrations, and slightly reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Twenty-five indoor plant species, including six Taiwan-native species, were placed in the hospital areas. Results showed that, except at pharmacy, many plant species had low or negative net photosynthetic rate on day 7 after placing in the hospital areas. Recommended plant species for all four locations were parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) and English ivy (Hedera helix). Plants with higher net photosynthetic rates under low light conditions were Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ and golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Among Taiwan-native plant species tested, Podocarpus macrophyllus and Nageia nagi had better performance, but the plants should be placed at brighter sites. Three tutor conferences were held on Aug 9th, 16th, and 23rd for promoting community greening.

Keyword

indoor plants;carbon dioxide;formaldehyde