Do temperature and humidity influence the ability of plants to remove airborne chemicals and microorganisms?
Yes. The transpiration rates of plants are important in removing both airborne chemicals and microbes. When plants transpire (emit) water vapor from their leaves into the air, they also pull air down to their roots. Any airborne contaminants are also pulled down into the plant root zone. Microbes, living on and around plant roots in an area called the rhizosphere, breakdown and destroy the chemicals. Microbes convert these chemicals into a source of food and energy for the plant and themselves. Both temperature and humidity influence the transpiration rates of plants. Test results show that plants with high transpiration rates are more effective in removing pollutants from the indoor environment. For example, we conducted studies in a home during the winter months using an Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)(height: 56-inches or 142-cm) that was growing in a pot 14-inches in diameter (36-cm). The test results are shown below. Average Water Loss 24-Hour Period (ml) Average Room Temp
Yes. The transpiration rates of plants are important in removing both airborne chemicals and microbes. When plants transpire (emit) water vapor from their leaves into the air, they also pull air down to their roots. Any airborne contaminants are also pulled down into the plant root zone. Microbes, living on and around plant roots in an area called the rhizosphere, breakdown and destroy the chemicals. Microbes convert these chemicals into a source of food and energy for the plant and themselves. Both temperature and humidity influence the transpiration rates of plants. Test results show that plants with high transpiration rates are more effective in removing pollutants from the indoor environment. For example, we conducted studies in a home during the winter months using an Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)(height: 56-inches or 142-cm) that was growing in a pot 14-inches in diameter (36-cm). The test results are shown below. Average Water Loss 24-Hour Period (ml) Average Room Temp
