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.