Phytoremediation of benzene vapors from indoor air by Schefflera arboricola and Spathiphyllum wallisii plants

Abstract

Benzene is a carcinogenic contaminant. It is therefore important to remove it from the environment. In this study, phytoremediation of benzene from polluted air by two plant species (Schefflera arboricola and Spathiphyllum wallisii) was investigated under controlled environment using a Plexiglas chamber. The effect of inlet benzene concentrations of 3.6-29.5 mu g/m(3), and empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 37.5 and 70 s were tested on the plant efficiency for a period of 36 days. Results showed that the outlet benzene concentration in the control chamber (plant free) was significantly higher than that in the chamber containing the plants. The average removal efficiency (RE) at various inlet concentrations including 3.5-6.5, 10.5-16.3, and 25-30 mu g/m(3) were 97, 94, and 91, respectively. Also, the average RE at EBRTs of 37.5 and 75 min were 93 and 94 respectively. According to the physiological and morphological tests, no toxicity effects on the plants were found at these concentrations. It can be concluded that the plant's application is a green and environment-friendly technology to remove benzene from the polluted indoor air.