Interactive Indoor Air Purifying Plant Simulator: Plant Phytoremediation & VOC Removal
Dynamic Indoor Air Quality Simulator: Plant Phytoremediation & VOC Removal
Developed By : Ir. MD Nursyazwi
Explore the science of Phytoremediation with this interactive 30-day environmental model. Select various indoor plants to analyze their real-time effectiveness in reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), absorbing Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and boosting humidity. Get a detailed, actionable Health Analysis and Verdict based on simulated environmental data.
Instructions on How To Use: Dynamic Air Quality Simulation
This interactive module simulates the efficacy of a typical indoor plant in mitigating common indoor air quality metrics over time. The model utilizes established phytoremediation principles to calculate pollutant decay and oxygen production rates.
Operational Guide
- Plant Selection: Choose a specific plant species from the dropdown menu in the 'Data Input' section. Note how the benefits and care requirements influence the simulation's results.
- Data Input: Utilize the slider controls to define the initial environmental conditions, focusing on Initial Pollutant Level (VOC ppm) and Ambient Humidity (%).
- Initiation: Press the "Start Simulation" button to begin the 30-day (simulated time) process.
- Observation: Monitor the 'Graphical Simulation' for the visual representation and the 'Data Output' section for real-time metric updates.
- Analysis: Review the 'Graphs and Charts' section for trend analysis, and check the Verdict Section upon completion.
Data Input: Environmental Condition Parameters
Plant Details
Benefits: Select a plant to view details.
Care: Select a plant to view care instructions.
Graphical Simulation: Visualized Phytoremediation
Visual representation of the simulated room environment. Red particles indicate pollutants, which are absorbed by the central green plant structure.
Data Output: Real-Time Metric Display
Simulation Verdict and Health Analysis
Graphs and Charts: Longitudinal Performance Analysis
Data visualization tracking key metrics over the simulated 30-day period.
Scientific Explanations: The Process of Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation is a bioremediation process utilizing plants to eliminate, degrade, or contain contaminants in soil, water, or air. In an indoor setting, plants primarily act as air purifiers through three mechanisms:
Stomatal Gas Exchange and VOC Absorption
During the process of photosynthesis, plants open small pores called stomata to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). This same mechanism allows volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, to be absorbed directly into the leaf. Once inside, these pollutants are transported and metabolized by enzymes within the plant tissue, effectively removing them from the air. The rate of absorption is highly dependent on light, temperature, and critically, humidity.
Transpiration and Humidity Regulation
Plants release water vapor through their leaves in a process known as transpiration. This process directly contributes to increasing ambient relative humidity in dry indoor environments. Moreover, the enhanced humidity can be crucial, as a thin layer of water surrounding the stomata aids in the dissolution and subsequent absorption of certain water-soluble pollutants.
Rhizosphere Microbes and Biofiltration
A significant, often underestimated, component of indoor air purification occurs in the root zone (rhizosphere). Air pollutants migrate to the soil and roots, where a symbiotic relationship with microbial populations is established. These soil microbes actively decompose complex pollutant molecules into less harmful compounds into less harmful compounds or even usable nutrients for the plant, acting as a natural, continuous biofilter.
Featured Resources: STEM Education and Simulation Links
Explore related educational content and resources below. The display automatically cycles through linked resources every 15 seconds (5s countdown + 10s view).
References: Academic Literature on Indoor Phytoremediation
The simulation parameters and scientific concepts are based on established environmental research literature, including foundational studies on plant-based air filtration:
- Wolverton, B. C., Johnson, A., & Bounds, K. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. NASA Technical Memorandum.
- Pegas, F. V., & de Freitas, C. U. (2012). Indoor air quality and plants: An analysis of scientific literature. Environmental Pollution.
- Chen, X., & Cheng, X. (2018). Mechanisms and efficiency of common indoor plants in removing gaseous air pollutants. Building and Environment.
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