Study of the influence of indoor plants as an indicator of biophilic design on CO2 concentrations in a classroom of higher education institute

Abstract

Urbanization in Indian metropolitan cities deteriorating the outdoor environment by polluting water, soil, and air to a great extent. Some of the cities are at a fatal level of contamination affecting indoor environments. Many studies had reported the impact of a high level of CO₂ indoors on the occupants. Its effect depends upon the concentration of CO₂, the duration of exposure, and the concentration of oxygen (O₂). Still the effects range from increased respiratory rates to cardiac ailments and carcinoses. India is a developing country so the sustainable and affordable approaches will be more applicable in this context. This study tries to find a well-grounded way to improve indoor air quality. The current pilot study focuses on examining the effect of indoor plants on indoor air quality by measuring CO₂ levels. This study has used three different species of plants for three different classrooms of higher education institutes. The study was performed in an unsealed environment where air velocity and CO₂ were measured. Statistical analysis results show that indoor CO₂ concentration has been reduced by 11% than outdoors after placing the plants. This study also shows the correlation between CO₂ concentration and the distance from the plant using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Hence indoor vegetation can be considered a sustainable way of purifying the air and altering the microclimate of the classrooms for the well-being of the occupants.