Environmental Science and Pollution Research

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08174-9

REVIEW ARTICLE

Effects of indoor plants on air quality: a systematic review

Ke-Tsung Han 1 & Li-Wen Ruan 1

Received: 27 June 2019 / Accepted: 20 February 2020

# Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020

Abstract
No study has comprehensively reviewed the effects of indoor plants on air quality; therefore, this study systematically reviewed
quantitative empirical research on these effects in both English and Chinese. The information sources were the Web of Science
and WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform electronic databases. Only journal articles reporting quantitative empirical
research were selected. The eligibility criteria included studies with (1) interventions of any indoor plant, excluding biofilters
that combine power facilities and vegetation, (2) comparators included within the same experimental treatment or between
different experimental treatments, (3) air quality effects objectively measured using any instrument, and (4) any study design.
Both authors screened 95 journal articles and compiled information according to (1) intervention (plant species, foliage, or
medium), (2) scientific family name of each plant, (3) study design (experiment, field experiment, or survey), (4) air quality
(e.g., temperature, humidity, negative ions, radiation, and dust), (5) pollutants, (6) research environment, (7) ventilation (types
and rates), (8) climate (lighting, temperature, and humidity), (9) exposure duration, (10) sampling frequency or period, and (11)
number of replications. The primary effects of the potential of the indoor plants on air quality were reduced pollutant levels
(particularly formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene removal), followed by increase in humidity and decrease in temperature. In
addition, including various plant species could improve the effects of indoor vegetation on ameliorating air quality and micro-
climate conditions.

Keywords Indoor air quality . Benzene . Formaldehyde . Humidity . Microclimate . Temperature . Toluene . Phytoremediation

Introduction (Kuo 2009). Because of the energy crisis, building occupants

have more confined spaces, which increase indoor air pollut-
In the modern society, people spend approximately 80–90% ant concentrations (Teiri et al. 2018). Indoor air pollution
of their time indoors (American Lung Association 2001). levels are typically two to five times higher than those of
Thus, indoor environmental comfort and air quality are cru- outdoor pollution, but can become 100 times higher
cial. If indoor air quality is poor, people may develop condi- (Environment Australia 2003). The easiest method of reduc-
tions such as sick building syndrome, characterized by head- ing air pollution in a building is ventilation. However, even a
ache; eye, nose, and throat irritation; fatigue; dizziness; and short period of ventilation provides a considerable loss in heat,
nausea (Stolwijk 1991). An estimated 27 million office particularly in winter, which results in inadequate indoor ven-
workers in the USA have sick building syndrome, and 30% tilation (Sevik et al. 2017). Moreover, mechanical ventilation
of new buildings globally have indoor air pollution problems consumes energy.
Plants are commonly placed indoors to improve living and
Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues working spaces (Dravigne et al. 2008). Over the past 30 years,
studies have demonstrated that indoor plants can significantly
* Ke-Tsung Han reduce most types of urban air pollution (Wolverton et al.
[email protected] 1989; Coward et al. 1996; Orwell et al. 2004; Wood et al.
2006; Yoo et al. 2006; Kim et al. 2008; Irga et al. 2013). In
Li-Wen Ruan addition, because artificial ventilation and air conditioning
[email protected]
consume energy, methods of modifying indoor air quality
1 and microclimate conditions without energy should be inves-
Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chin-Yi University
of Technology, No. 57, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Taiping Dist., tigated (Torpy et al. 2014). According to Afrin (2009), appro-
Taichung 41170, Taiwan priate indoor plant designs can reduce ventilation and air
 Environ Sci Pollut Res

conditioning energy loads by an estimated 10–20%. in each database, the most recent search was performed on
Therefore, investigating indoor plant types and applying them October 8 and 3, 2018, respectively.
to regulate indoor environmental comfort and air quality war-
rants greater attention to achieve healthy and energy-efficient Search
buildings. Air quality certificates for buildings would be as
popular as energy performance certificates (Kotzias and The search keywords included indoor plant, indoor vegeta-
Pilidis 2017). However, no systematic reviews on the effects tion, air quality, temperature, humidity, physical environment,
of indoor plants on air quality have been conducted. To fill the and health (cf. Han 2011). Boolean searches using only the
literature gap, this study comprehensively and systematically “and” operator, such as “indoor plants and air quality” or
reviewed quantitative empirical research on the effect of in- “indoor vegetation and physical environment,” were per-
door plants on air quality in the two most popular languages formed. Studies cited in the searched literature were reviewed
globally, English and Chinese. This systematic review to conduct a simple forward snowball process to search for
intended to synthesize data to provide an overview of the other relevant literature (i.e., other sources).
effects of indoor plants on air quality following the Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Study selection
(PRISMA), which focuses on ways in which authors can en-
sure a transparent and complete reporting of literature review This study selected only journal articles featuring quantitative
(Moher et al. 2009). empirical research. Therefore, books and unpublished theses
and dissertations, such as “Interior Landscape Plants for
Indoor Air Pollution Abatement” (Wolverton et al. 1989)
Research methods and “Vegetated Facades as Environmental Control Systems:
Filtering Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) for Improving Indoor
This study complied with the PRISMA, which focus on eval- Air Quality” (Papaioannou 2013), were not included.
uating randomized trials and interventions with participants Empirical research typically refers to real data and analysis,
(Moher et al. 2009). However, empirical studies on the effects whereas quantitative research uses statistical, mathematical,
of indoor plants on air quality do not necessarily involve par- and computational methods to investigate a phenomenon
ticipants. This study fulfilled 20 of the 27 PRISMA checklist (Chiu 2004). In addition, publicly published journal articles
items under the following seven headings: (1) title; (2) ab- have more rigorous publication standards because they require
stract; (3) introduction: rationale and objectives; (4) methods: peer review. Randomized experimental methods are superior
eligibility criteria, information sources, search, study selec- to survey methods when studying the causal relationship be-
tion, data collection process, data items, risk of bias in indi- tween quantitative research inference variables (Frankfort-
vidual studies, and summary measures; (5) results: study se- Nachmias and Nachmias 1996). However, field experiments
lection, study characteristics, results of individual studies, and conducted in actual environments have favorable ecological
additional analysis; (6) discussion: summary of evidence, lim- validity than do laboratory experiments (Cook and Campbell
itations, and conclusions; and (7) funding. 1979).

Data collection
Eligibility criteria
One of the authors searched the electronic databases by using
The following search criteria were used to screen literature: (1) the keywords and reviewed the titles and abstracts of articles
interventions using any indoor plant but did not use biofilters on the basis of the aforementioned eligibility criteria. Full
that combine power facilities and vegetation, (2) comparators texts were reviewed if article titles and abstracts were insuffi-
included within the same experimental treatment or between cient for making judgments. All studies in every article were
different experimental treatments, (3) results that included air included in the review. The full texts of the articles were then
quality effects objectively measured using any instrument, (4) extracted after being reviewed by the other author on the basis
research using any study design, and (5) articles published in of the eligibility criteria. If the two authors had inconsistent
English or Chinese. opinions, they worked together to reach an agreement.

Information sources Data items

This study mainly used two electronic databases for the liter- The literature review included 14 items: author and publica-
ature search, namely, Web of Science (1900–present) and tion year of the source, intervention (number and condition of
WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform (1980–present); indoor plants), scientific family names of the plants, study
Environ Sci Pollut Res

design, air quality effect, induced pollutants, research environ-

ment, ventilation, climate, pollution exposure duration, sam-
pling frequency or period, study or measurement replication
number, results, and publication language.

Risk of bias in individual studies

Most of the included articles reported experimental research

with experimental and control groups. Unlike clinical research
in which interventions are randomly assigned to participants,
most studies on the effects of indoor plants on air quality were
conducted without participants. However, random interven-
tion assignment can generate sequences and reduce risk.
Because no participants were involved, no risks of allocation
concealment or blinded interventions were considered. The Fig. 1 Flowchart of the screening process
risk of incomplete outcome data remained, but no participant
exclusion or attrition occurred. Because authors and journals benzene, toluene, ozone, trichloroethylene, and smog), (6)
tend to publish results with significant differences, the risk of research environment (chamber and room), (7) ventilation
selective outcome reporting required consideration (cf. (types and rates), (8) climate (lighting, temperature, and hu-
Higgins and Altman 2008; Liberati et al. 2009). midity), (9) exposure duration, (10) sampling frequency or
period, (11) number of studies or measurement replications,
Summary measures and (12) language of publication (English and Chinese).

The main summary measurement was the objective measure- Results of individual studies
ment of indoor plant effects on air quality in the reviewed
empirical studies. Table 1 summarizes the results of each compiled study.
However, because not all studies reported means and standard
deviations, the present study could not perform meta-analyses
Results or calculate measures of consistency (e.g., I2) or confidence
intervals.
Study selection
Additional analysis
After the search using the keywords on the Web of Science,
WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and other Of the 95 journal articles, 64 (67.37%) and 31 (32.63%) were
sources (e.g., simple forward snowball process), 1176, 2831, published in English and Chinese, respectively. The articles
and 20 journal articles were identified, respectively. After were published between 1984 and 2018. The number of arti-
screening for duplicate literature, 2883 journal articles were cles published was recorded every 6 years throughout the
retained, and those meeting the screening criteria were select- study period, and the number of articles published in
ed on the basis of their titles and abstracts. After the exclusion English and Chinese increased considerably since 2002.
of 2746 journal articles, the full texts of the remaining 137 However, no relevant Chinese journal articles were identified
articles were assessed. Finally, information from 95 articles before 2001 (Table 2). Furthermore, Chinese journal articles
was compiled. The articles or studies that did not meet the were typically shorter than those in English.
eligibility criteria were excluded. Figure 1 depicts the screen- In the 95 articles, 223 plant species were tested for their
ing process. effects on air quality. To avoid misjudgments during data com-
pilation, journal articles containing incomplete or unrecogniz-
Study characteristics able species (sp.), nonspecified scientific names (only com-
mon name or Chinese name), or incorrect Chinese names were
The information of the 95 articles was compiled on the basis excluded. Subsequently, plant species with different names
of (1) interventions (plant species, foliage, or medium), (2) were classified using the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV
scientific family name of each plant, (3) study design (exper- classification, which is a binomial nomenclature classification
iment, field experiment, and survey), (4) objective air quality that does not distinguish cultivars. The most frequently tested
(e.g., temperature, humidity, negative ions, radiation, and indoor plant species was Epipremnum aureum, which ap-
dust), (5) pollutants (formaldehyde, xylene, carbon dioxide, peared 35 times (7.04%), followed by Chlorophytum
Table 1 Summary of reviewed empirical studies of indoor plant effects on air quality

Source Interventions Plant growth condition Plant family Study design Induced pollutants Environment Ventilation

Wolverton et al. 2 pots of 3 plant Araceae, Asparagaceae Experiment Pumped 15–17 ppm Plexiglas
(1984) species each, (equipment: copper coil, wide formaldehyde chamber
with potting soil spectrum growth lights, (gaseous) (0.4 m3)
fan, gas scrubbing apparatus)
Godish and 5 pots of 1 plant Greenhouse Asparagaceae Experiment (equipment: vacuum Formaldehyde Dynamic glass 0.5 air exchange
Guindon (1989) species with pumping, light bank) (gaseous) chamber rate (continuous
potting soil (0.29 m3) flow)
(each plant with
5200–12,000 cm2
leaf surface area)
Raza et al. (1991) 6 pots of 2 plant Crassulaceae, Asparagaceae Field experiment Kitchen room Windows, doors,
species each, (27.7 m2), and ventilators
with potting soil industry
2
(total leave area room (9 m ),
864, 385 cm2) hospital
room
(37.8 m2)
Wolverton and 30 plant species with Nephrolepidaceae, Asteraceae, Experiment (equipment: Pumped Plastic chamber
Wolverton potting soil Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, light, fan, thermometer, formaldehyde and (0.31 m3)
(1993) (15.2, 20.3, 25.4, Araliaceae, Moraceae, Araceae, hygrometer, gas scrubbing xylene, fumigated
35.6 cm pots, Orchidaceae, Liliaceae, Ericaceae, apparatus, air sampling pump) ammonia
plant height Vitaceae, Marantaceae, (gaseous)
36–90 cm) Euphorbiaceae, Primulaceae,
Bromeliaceae, Asphodelaceae,
Crassulaceae
Raza et al. (1995) Study 1: 5 pots of 3 Crassulaceae, Asphodelaceae Study 1: field experiment (hospital Study 2: fumigated Study 1: Study 1: windows,
plant species each indoors and outdoors) carbon dioxide hospital doors,
(plant height 30, Study 2: experiment (400 μL L−1, rooms and ventilators
25, 30 cm, gaseous) (144 m3) (1 L·min−1 air
respectively, Study 2: glass exchange rate,
total leaf area 864, chamber continuous flow)
384, 400 cm2, (1 m3)
respectively)
Study 2: 4 plant
species
Lohr and Study 1: a college Araceae, Arecaceae, Asparagaceae Field experiment Study 1: lab Centralized fan
Pearson-Mims computer lab with (equipment: collection dishes) (256 m3) system
(1996) or without plants Study 2: office (continuous
(vegetation (32 m3) flow)
accounted for 2%
of indoor space)
Study 2: an office
with or without
plants (vegetation
accounted for 5%
of indoor space)
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
Cornejo et al. 6 plant species with Crassulaceae, Moraceae, Experiment (study 2 equipment: Study 1: 10.4 ppm Study 1: glass Study 2: pumped
(1999) potting soil Asparagaceae, Geraniaceae, photosynthesis analyzer, benzene (gaseous) chamber air
Saxifragaceae thermocouple, Study 2: evaporated (0.0115 m3) (0.15 L min−1,
gas chromatograph/mass benzene, Study 2: glass continuous flow)
spectrometer) trichloroethylene, chamber
Environ Sci Pollut Res

toluene (gaseous) (0.04 m3)

Wood et al. (2002) 3 plant species Nursery Arecaceae, Araceae, Asparagaceae Experiment (equipment: 25, 50 ppm benzene, Static Perspex
(plant height coil of copper tubing, fan, 100, 150 ppm chamber
30–40 cm, leaf light box, gas chromatograph) n-hexane (0.216 m3)
area 758, 878, (gaseous)
1460 cm2,
respectively) with
potting mix and
potting mix only
Orwell et al. 7 plant species (plant Araceae, Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, Experiment (equipment: 25, 50 ppm benzene Static Perspex
(2004) height 30–40 cm, Araliaceae coil of copper tubing, (gaseous) chamber
leaf area fan, light box, thermometer, (0.216 m3)
1500–9000 cm2) gas chromatograph)
with potting mix
and potting mix
only (15 cm pot)
Li et al. (2006) 6 restaurant halls with Field experiment (equipment: Hall (about
or without plants digital thermometer, 1000 m2)
and waterscapes thermocouple, hygrometer,
(green coverage nonspectral infrared gas
ratio 30–40%, analyzer, atmospheric sampler,
fountains, formaldehyde monitor,
and pools) organic volatile gas analyzer)
Orwell et al. 2 plant species Araceae, Asparagaceae Experiment (equipment: copper 0.2, 1.0, 10 and Static Perspex
(2006) (plant height coil, fan, light box, gas 100 ppm toluene chamber
30–40 cm, chromatograph) and m-xylene (0.216 m3)
leaf area 4420, (gaseous)
1170 cm2) with
potting mix
(15 cm pot)
Wood et al. (2006) 60 offices with or Asparagaceae, Araceae Field experiment (equipment: Office rooms Air conditioned and
without plants photoionization detector, (30–50 m3) no air
with potting mix indoor air quality meter, passive conditioned
(0-, 3-, 6- 20-, organic vapor monitors, gas
or 30-cm pots) chromatography)
Yoo et al. (2006) Foliage of 4 plant Foliage plant Araliaceae, Araceae, Experiment (equipment: 1 μL L−1 or Glass chamber
species (leaf area (acclimation: 60% light Vitaceae coiled stainless steel tubing, 0.5 μL L−1 (0.2871 m3)
1352–3328 cm2, blocked, 100 μmol quanta fan, gas chromatography, benzene and
18 cm pot) m−2 s−1, 25 °C, 50% photosynthetic analyzer) toluene (gaseous)
humidity, fertilized every
2 weeks for 6 months)
Liu et al. (2007) 73 plant species Flower market Crassulaceae, Hydrangeaceae, Experiment 0.150 ppm Plexiglas
Orchidaceae, Moraceae, (equipment: gas fumigated chamber
Asteraceae, Rutaceae, Araceae, chromatograph) benzene (gaseous) (0.07536 m3)
Nephrolepidaceae, Asparagaceae
Table 1 (continued)
Song et al. (2007) With or without Araceae, Moraceae, Experiment Benzene, toluene, Mock-up room No air conditioned,
potted plants Araliaceae, Primulaceae (equipment: gas ethylbenzene, (29.4 m3) door
(2 Korean local chromatograph) xylene, (batch flow)
species and 2 formaldehyde
species exotic to (gaseous)
Korea accounted
for 5% and 10% of
the room space)
Wáng et al. (2007) 16 plant species Greenhouse Arecaceae, Araliaceae, Survey (equipment:
Araceae, Moraceae, photosynthetic analyzer)
Asparagaceae, Urticaceae,
Zingiberaceae, Marantaceae
Wei et al. (2007) 1 plant species with Flower market Asphodelaceae Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Glass chamber
potting soil acetylacetone (gaseous) (0.216 m3)
spectrophotometry)
Huang et al. 4 plant species Araceae, Asparagaceae Experiment (equipment: Study 1 Glass chamber
(2008) copper coil, fan, fluorescent (formaldehyde): (0.51 m3)
lamp, formaldehyde monitor, 1.11–-
gas chromatograph, 2.32 mg m−3
leaf area meter) (gaseous)
Study 2 (benzene):
17.0–-
34.7 mg m−3
(gaseous)
Kim et al. (2008) 2 plant species Acclimation: 20 μmol quanta Moraceae, Araliaceae Experiment (equipment: 2 μL L−1 Glass chamber Pumped air
(leaf area 1100, m−2 s−1 of 12 h leaf area meter, gas generator, formaldehyde (0.9963 m3) (6 L min−1,
1300 cm2, 15, photoperiod, 23 °C, 40% formaldehyde and data logging (gaseous) continuous flow)
19 cm pot) with humidity for 1 month system)
and without
potting soil
Lu et al. (2008) Foliage of 4 plant Greenhouse Asphodelaceae, Crassulaceae Experiment Fumigated benzene Glass chamber
species (leaf area (equipment: gas (gaseous) (0.225 m3)
2025.6, 1668.9, chromatograph, leaf area meter)
820.7, 397.9 cm2,
respectively)
Park et al. (2008) With or without Araceae, Nephrolepidaceae, Field experiment Classroom Windows, doors
vegetation in a Malvaceae, Acoraceae, (equipment: data logger,
classroom Araucariaceae, Crassulaceae, collection dishes)
(plants occupying Urticaceae, Ericaceae,
5% volume of the Bromeliaceae
classroom)
Baosheng et al. 1 plant species with Arecaceae Experiment Injected 8 ppm Acrylic
(2009) potting media (equipment: gas analyzer, formaldehyde, chamber
(plant height A–D converter, data logger, 1.5 ppm toluene, (0.29325 m3)
93 cm, 20 cm pot) mobile computer) 1.5 ppm styrene
(gaseous)
Kim et al. (2009) 3 plant species with Acclimation: 63 μmol quanta Araceae, Lamiaceae, Study 1: experiment Study 1: emitted Study 1: Study 1: windows,
potting media m−2 s−1 of 12 h Rubiaceae (equipment: liquid formaldehyde mock-up door
(occupying 3, 6, photoperiod, 23 °C for chromatography) (gaseous) room (batch flow)
1 month (60.35 m3)
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
9% room volume, Study 2: experiment Study 2: injected Study 2: glass Study 2: pumped
19 cm pot) (equipment: gas generator, 2 μL L−1 chamber air (6 L min−1,
pump, formaldehyde and data formaldehyde (0.9963 m3) continuous flow)
logging system) (gaseous)
Kuo (2009) With or without 3 Araceae, Strelitziaceae, Araliaceae Field experiment Office (38 m2)
Environ Sci Pollut Res

plant species (equipment: indoor air quality

(plant height meter)
30–150 cm) in an
office
Liu and Yang 2009 3 vegetation Urticaceae, Nephrolepidaceae, Survey Closed space
combinations and Asparagaceae, Moraceae, Araceae, (5 m2)
6 plant species Colchicaceae, Cactaceae,
Acoraceae, Lythraceae,
Asphodelaceae
Lim et al. (2009) 1 plant species Araliaceae Experiment (equipment: vacuum 2400 μg m−3 Glass chamber Pumped air
(leaf area pump, stainless steel impeller, formaldehyde (1.0044 m3) (6 L min−1,
1627 cm2) with data logger) (gaseous) batch flow)
potting media,
pot without plant
(19 cm pot)
Papinchak et al. Foliage of 3 plant Greenhouse Asparagaceae, Araceae Experiment (equipment: charcoal Injected 0.2 ppm Continuously Air flow circulation
(2009) species filtration air supply system, ozone (gaseous) stirred tank (4500 L
ozone monitor, data reactor min−1)
logger/computer recording chambers
system, fan, area meter, (2 m3)
photosynthesis system,
fluorometer)
Tani and Hewitt 2 plant species Araceae Experiment (equipment: infrared 14–820 ppbv PFA bag 1 L min−1
(2009) (plant height gas analyzer, fine-wire Aldehydes, (0.02 m3) (continuous
50–70 cm) thermocouple, ketones (gaseous) flow)
gas chromatograph/mass
spectrometry)
Yang et al. (2009) 28 plant species Commercial sources Acanthaceae, Asparagaceae, Araceae, Experiment (equipment: light Injected 10 ppm Gas-tight glass 0.15 L min−1
(leaf area (acclimation: 5.45 μmol Araliaceae, Apocynaceae, meter with a line quantum benzene, toluene, jars
253–1201 cm2, quanta m−2 s−1, 22 °C, Bromeliaceae, Commelinaceae, sensor, gas octane, (0.0105 m3)
10 cm pot) 50% humidity for 12 weeks) Euphorbiaceae, Geraniaceae, chromatograph/mass trichloroethylene,
Marantaceae, Moraceae, spectrometry, α-pinene
Arecaceae, Piperaceae leaf area meter) (gaseous)
Yoon et al. (2009) Foliage of 3 plant Commercial sources Moraceae, Araceae Experiment (equipment: pump, 182 μg m−3 tobacco Glass chamber
species (acclimation: 25 °C, PM10 detector, particle counter, smoke (0.2871 m3)
(leaf area 3781, 70–80% humidity for climograph and CO2 monitor, (particulate)
1692, 2752 cm2, 3 months) photosynthetic analyzer)
respectively,
15 cm pot)
Zhao et al. (2009) 4 plant species Araceae, Asparagaceae, Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Glass chamber
Crassulaceae, Orchidaceae acetylacetone (gaseous) (0.32 m3)
spectrophotometry)
An et al. (2010) Foliage of 16 plant Flower market Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, Experiment (equipment: 3.31–4.03 mg m−3 Glass chamber
species (leaf area Ericaceae, Rutaceae, Arecaceae, fan, formaldehyde monitor, formaldehyde (0.64 m3)
661–7233 cm2) Araceae, Urticaceae, Crassulaceae, area meter, chlorophyll meter) (gaseous)
Table 1 (continued)
Aspleniaceae, Commelinaceae,
Rubiaceae, Asparagaceae,
Gesneriaceae, Marantaceae
Kim et al. (2010) 86 plants species Acclimation: 20–60 μmol Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae, Experiment (equipment: 2.0 μL L−1 Glass chamber Pumped air
(plant height quanta m−2 s−1 of 12 h Cycadaceae, Asparagaceae, gas generator, pump, formaldehyde (0.9963 m3) (6 L min−1,
7.4–156 cm, leaf photoperiod, 23 °C, 40% Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae, quantitative pump, (gaseous) continuous flow)
area humidity for 1 month Araliaceae, Apocynaceae, formaldehyde and data logging
95.9–7966.6 cm2, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Arecaceae, system)
15, 19 cm pots) Zamiaceae, Araceae,
Aspleniaceae, Marantaceae,
Amaryllidaceae, Orchidaceae,
Piperaceae, Gesneriaceae,
Bromeliaceae, Primulaceae,
Theaceae, Elaeocarpaceae,
Pentaphylacaceae, Aquifoliaceae,
Lauraceae, Oleaceae,
Berberidaceae, Pittosporaceae,
Fagaceae, Rosaceae,
Lardizabalaceae, Viburnaceae,
Pteridaceae, Dryopteridaceae,
Ophioglossaceae,
Dryopteridaceae, Davalliaceae,
Dennstaedtiaceae, Osmundaceae,
Polypodiaceae, Selaginellaceae,
Thelypteridaceae,
Oleaceae, Lamiaceae, Geraniaceae
Zhao et al. (2010) 3 plant species Asparagaceae, Araceae Experiment 1.65 mg m−3 Glass chamber
(equipment: acetylacetone formaldehyde (0.32 m3)
spectrophotometry) (gaseous)
Aydogan and 4 plant species Commercial distributors Araliaceae, Asteraceae, Experiment (equipment: Injected 1.63 ppm Glass chamber
Montoya (2011) (plant height (acclimation: 21 °C, Araceae fan, gas bubbler, formaldehyde (0.0755363
23–39 cm, 45% humidity for 2 weeks) vacuum pump, air flow meter, (gaseous) m3)
leaf area HCHO monitor,
2516–3718 cm2) CO2 monitor, external sensor
with potting logger)
growstone
(15, 16 cm pot)
Kim et al. (2011a) 28 plants species Commercial market Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae, Experiment (equipment: 1.3 ppm toluene Glass chamber Pumped air
(plant height (acclimation: 20–60 μmol Geraniaceae, Begoniaceae, area meter, gas generator, (gaseous) (0.9963 m3) (6 L min−1,
8.9–98.7 cm, quanta m−2 s−1 of 12 h Davalliaceae Asteraceae, external pump, quantitative continuous flow)
leaf area photoperiod, 23 °C, Acanthaceae, Araliaceae, Araceae, pump, gas chromatography/
269.7–7790.7 40% humidity for 1 month) Urticaceae, Primulaceae, mass spectrometer)
cm2, 15, 19, Lauraceae, Pentaphylacaceae,
30 cm pot) Aquifoliaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae,
Pittosporaceae, Ericaceae
Kim et al. (2011b) With or without Arecaceae, Moraceae, Asparagaceae, Field experiment Formaldehyde, Office room No ventilation in
potted plants Araceae (equipment: vacuum pump, benzene, toluene, (more than January, window
(22 pots in new liquid chromatography, ethylene, xylene 100 m2) ventilation in
buildings and 25 gas chromatography/ (gaseous) July
(batch flow)
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
pots in old mass selective detector,
buildings) flame ionization detector)
Linghu et al. 3 pots of 3 plant Nursery Araliaceae, Geraniaceae, Araceae Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Glass chamber
(2011) species each formaldehyde monitor) (gaseous) (0.40432 m3)
Oh et al. (2011) 3 plant species Araceae, Moraceae, Experiment (equipment: 1000 ppm carbon Glass chamber
Environ Sci Pollut Res

(15 cm pot) Arecaceae CO2 monitor, fan, sensor, dioxide produced (0.5022 m3)
data logging system) by hamsters
(gaseous)
Song et al. (2011) 3 plant species Araceae, Malvaceae, Experiment Benzene, toluene, Mock-up room
(5% and 10% of Moraceae (equipment: gas ethylbenzene, (29.4 m3)
indoor space) chromatography, xylene, stylene,
liquid chromatography) formaldehyde
(gaseous)
Wu and Chen 7 plant species Plant market Moraceae, Araceae, Asparagaceae, Experiment 0.32, 0.89 mg m−3 Glass chamber
(2011) Asphodelaceae, Euphorbiaceae (equipment: conductivity formaldehyde
meter, spectrophotometer) (gaseous)
Xu et al. (2011) 3 plant species with Asparagaceae, Experiment (equipment: gaseous Initial 1.0 mg m−3 Dynamic
potting soil Asphodelaceae, Araceae formaldehyde generator, formaldehyde and plexiglass
(15 cm pot) formaldehyde monitor) increased by chamber
1.0 mg m−3 every (0.0754 m3)
3 days (gaseous)
Fernández-Cañero 2 green walls Pteridaceae, Araceae, Asparagaceae, Field experiment Small hall No air conditioning
et al. (2012) (2.15 m × 1.80 m, Aspleniaceae, Arecaceae, (equipment: data logger (195.36 m3) system.
with 24 plant Vitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, attached to 5 digital
species) Moraceae, Acanthaceae, temperature and humidity
Crassulaceae, Nephrolepidaceae, sensors, computer, lightening
Piperaceae, Urticaceae, Lamiaceae, system)
Saxifragaceae, Commelinaceae
Kim et al. (2012) 3 plant species Begoniaceae, Primulaceae Experiment (equipment: 3.5 ppm toluene for Glass chamber
(19 cm pot) quartz cold trap, automated stimulation, (0.9963 m3)
thermal desorption system with 1.3 ppm toluene
air server autosampler, gas for removal
chromatograph/ measurement
mass spectroscopy) (gaseous)
Pegas et al. (2012) With or without Araceae, Asparagaceae Field experiment Classroom Window
plants in a (equipment: indoor air quality (52.5 m2)
classroom probe, monitor,
(3 weeks without gas chromatography/flame
and 6 weeks with ionization detector, liquid
6 potted plants chromatography, quartz filter)
with a diameter of
30 cm)
Ruan (2012) 3 plant species Araceae, Orchidaceae Experiment 3 ppm formaldehyde Study 1: glass Study 1: no
(leaf area (gaseous) chamber ventilation
7.5–27 cm2, (0.378 m3) Study 2: no
20.32 cm pot) Study 2: ventilation
mock-up (internal
rooms circulation 0.2
3
(26.6112 m , times hour−1)
3
35.7696 m )
Table 1 (continued)
Xu (2012) Foliage (crown width Flower market Piperaceae, Bromeliacea, Experiment Formaldehyde Glass chamber
25–35 cm) of 7 Marantaceae, Euphorbiaceae, (equipment: fan, acetylacetone (gaseous) (0.392 m3)
plant species Crassulaceae, Liliaceae, spectrophotometry,
without potting Asparagaceae dual atmospheric sampler)
soil
Yan et al. (2012) Foliage of 4 plant Flower market Araliaceae, Asparagaceae, Araceae Experiment (equipment: Injected Glass chamber
species formaldehyde monitor) formaldehyde (0.096 m3)
(gaseous)
Yue and Yue 2 plants species Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae Survey (equipment:
(2012) illuminometer, photosynthetic
analyzer)
−2 −1
Irga et al. (2013) 1 plant species with 20 μmol PAR m s of 16 h Araceae Experiment 1000 ppmv carbon Glass chamber
potting mix and of photoperiod, 23 °C, (equipment: infrared gas dioxide, 25 ppmv (0.01586 m3)
hydroculture 45% humidity for 133 days analyzer, CO2 monitor, benzene (gaseous)
media fan, copper coil, sodium arc
discharge lamp, gas
chromatography/ flame
ionization)
Kim et al. (2013) With or without Arecaceae, Moraceae, Berberidaceae, Field experiment Classroom window with
potted plants in Araliaceae, Urticaceae, Araliaceae, (equipment: digital gas mechanical
classrooms of two Primulaceae, Araceae analyzer, liquid ventilation and
newly built chromatography with window with
elementary ultraviolet absorption, natural
schools (20 pots gas chromatography) ventilation
18, 24, and 30 cm) (batch flow)
Zhou et al. (2013) Foliage of 3 plant Flower market Asparagaceae, Araliaceae, Araceae Experiment (equipment: Benzene (gaseous) Vacuum drier
species formaldehyde, benzene, (diameter
TVOC monitor) 40 cm)
Dela Cruz et al. 1 plant species Acclimation: 49 μmol m−2 s−1 Araliaceae Experiment (equipment: Diffused toluene glass chambers Compressed air
(2014) (11 cm pot), of 12 h of photoperiod, compressor, pressure regulator, (gaseous) (0.0575 m3) (4.37 L min−1,
the test system was 20 °C for 2–4 weeks mass flow meter, datalogger, batch flow for
operational in two light meter with a quantum semi-dynamic
modes: sensor, pump, condition,
semi-dynamic and gas chromatograph/ flame continuous flow
dynamic ionization) for dynamic
conditions condition)
Kim et al. (2014) With or without 12 Aspleniaceae, Rutaceae, Rubiaceae, Field experiment Living-room,
potted plants in the Araceae, Lamiaceae, Arecaceae (equipment: air sampler, kitchen,
houses of 17 liquid chromatography, bedroom
patients with gas chromatography/ flame
asthma ionization)
Mosaddegh et al. 2 plants species Acclimation: 12 h of Asparagaceae, Cactaceae Experiment (equipment: fan, 2 ppm benzene, Glass chamber
(2014) (leaf area photoperiod, 20 °C gas chromatography/flame toluene, (0.05 m3)
1380 cm2, ionization) ethylbenzene,
10 cm pot) xylene (gaseous)
Sriprapat et al. Foliage of 15 plant Plant shops Amaranthaceae, Asparagaceae, Experiment (equipment: Study 1: injected Glass chamber
(2014) species Asphodelaceae, Araceae, gas chromatography/flame 20 ppm xylene (0.0156 m3)
(study 2: 10 pots Acanthaceae, Polygonaceae, ionization detector) (gaseous)
for each species) Commelinaceae, Bromeliaceae, Study 2: 0, 20, 60,
Cyperaceae 200, 600, 2000,
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
6000, 20,000,
60,000 ppm
xylene (gaseous)
Study 3: 5, 20 ppm
xylene (gaseous)
Environ Sci Pollut Res

Torpy et al. (2014) 8 plants species with Acclimation: 10 μmol PAR Araceae, Asparagaceae, Fabaceae, Experiment 1000 ppmv carbon Perspex
potting mix m−2 s−1 of 9 h of Arecaceae, Moraceae (equipment: infrared gas dioxide (gaseous) chamber
(20 cm pot) photoperiod, 23 °C, analyzer, CO2 monitor, (0.216 m3)
45% humidity for 93 days; fan, incandescent tubes,
90 μmol PAR m−2 s−1 of metal arc discharge lamp)
9 h of photoperiod, 23.7 °C,
68.1% humidity for 93 days
Wang et al. (2014) 9 plant species Araceae, Asparagaceae, Cactacea, Experiment (equipment: Benzene (gaseous) Glass chamber
Apiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, fan, benzene monitor) (0.64 m3)
Marantaceae
Wú and Téng 6 plant species Cactaceae, Araceae, Malvaceae Experiment (equipment study 1: Study 1: room
(2014) Gauss meter; study 2: electronic (20 m2)
thermometer and hygrometer) Study 2:
chamber
(0.0109 m3)
Hou and Xu Foliage of 3 plants Asphodelaceae, Asparagaceae, Experiment (equipment: Study 1: 2 mg m−3 Dynamic
(2015) species Araceae formaldehyde monitor, formaldehyde polymethyl
(15 cm pot) gas chromatography/flame (gaseous) methacrylate
ionization detector) Study 2: 2 mg m−3 chamber
formaldehyde and (0.0754 m3)
−3
20 mg m
benzene (gaseous)
Hú and Zhang 1 plant species Crassulaceae Experiment (equipment: CO2 Perspex
(2015) monitor, thermometer, chamber
hydrometer, air ion monitor) (0.512 m3)
Jing et al. (2015) 16 plant species Flower market Araceae Experiment (fan, formaldehyde Formaldehyde Glass chamber
(leaf area monitor) (gaseous)
21.1–4147 cm2)
Li et al. (2015a) 1 plant species Greenhouse Bromeliaceae Experiment (equipment: scanning Formaldehyde Glass chamber
(27/21 °C day/night electron microscope, fan, (gaseous) (0.00006 m3)
temperature) incandescent lamps,
formaldehyde monitor)
Li et al. (2015b) 4 plant species with Aspleniaceae, Asparagaceae, Araceae Experiment (equipment: fan, 15 mg m−3 Glass chamber
potting media, thermometer, formaldehyde formaldehyde (0.8 m3)
only potting media monitor, spectrophotometer) (gaseous)
Liang et al. (2015) 1 pot of foliage of 4 Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Geraniaceae, Experiment (equipment: PM2.5, Cigarette smoke Plastic chamber
plant species Begoniaceae PM10 detector) (particulate)
Su and Lin (2015) 1 green wall Aspleniaceae Experiment (equipment: fan, 2000 ppm carbon Mock-up room
(2.20 m × 2.60 m) lamp, CO2 monitor, HCHO dioxide, 2 ppm (38.88 m3)
composed of 189 monitor, thermometer formaldehyde
pots of foliage hygrometer, leaf area meter) (gaseous)
(10 cm pot)
Yan et al. (2015) Foliage of 1 plant Flower market Araceae Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Glass chamber
species formaldehyde monitor) (gaseous) (0.096 m3)
5 plant species
Table 1 (continued)
Cetin and Sevil Moraceae, Asparagaceae, Experiment (equipment: Glass chamber
(2016) Lamiaceae, Gesneriaceae, CO2 datalogger) (0.49 m3)
Euphorbiaceae
Ge and Lǐ 2016 1 plant species Crassulaceae Experiment 0.02 mg m−3 Glass chamber
(leaf area (equipment: formaldehyde formaldehyde, (0.091125
47.25 cm2) monitor, TVOC monitor) 0.33 mg m−3 m3)
TVOC (gaseous)
Geng et al. (2016) 1 green wall Crassulaceae Experiment (equipment: Room (48 m3) No air conditioned,
composed of 18 temperature and humidity air conditioned
0.5 m × 0.5 m datalogger)
plant
Husti et al. (2016) Office with and Moraceae, Asparagaceae Field experiment Office
without 3 plant (equipment: infrared
species spectroscopy)
Kerschen et al. 2 plant species Greenhouse Asparagaceae, Crassulaceae Experiment (equipment: Chamber Air system
(2016) (10.16 cm pot) thermocouple probes, humidity (16.141 m3) (0.223 m s−1,
probe, barometer, anemometer, continuous flow)
hygrometer, electronic
precision scale, soil moisture
probe, fluorescent bulb, light
meter, leaf area meter)
Kim et al. (2016) With or without Asparagaceae, Moraceae, Field experiment (equipment: Classroom Natural and
potted plants Berberidaceae, Araliaceae, temperature and humidity (69.3 m2) mechanical
(16, 24, 30 cm Araceae, Primulaceae, Urticaceae, recorder, digital gas analyzer, ventilation
pot) in the Araliaceae air sampler, (batch flow)
classrooms of two liquid chromatography with
newly built ultraviolet absorption, gas
elementary chromatography)
schools
Li et al. (2016) Foliage of 4 plant Flower market Araceae, Asparagaceae, Araliaceae Experiment (equipment: 0.79, 1.31, Glass chamber
species (acclimation: formaldehyde monitor) 2.49 mg m−3 (0.096 m3)
2.47–6.08 μmol m−2 s−1, formaldehyde
25 °C for 15 days (gaseous)
Lu et al. (2016) Foliage of 9 plants Flower market Asparagaceae, Commelinaceae, Experiment (equipment: fan, 15, 30, 60 mg m−3 Glass chamber
species Araceae, Lamiaceae, Aspleniaceae gas chromatograph) benzene (gaseous) (0.512 m3)
Mo et al. (2016) 1 green wall Araceae, Piperaceae Survey (equipment: Xenon light, Office
(9 m × 6 m) leaf area meter, photosynthetic
composed of 6 analyzer)
plant species
Stapleton and 11 plant species Arecaceae, Piperaceae, Experiment (equipment: vacuum Ultrafine particle Polycarbonate Pumped air
Ruiz-Rudolph Asparagaceae, Moraceae, pump, ultrafine particle (particulate) chamber (4–4.17 L
(2016) Araliaceae, Cupressaceae, counter) (0.114 m3) min−1, 4.67
Fabaceae, Fagaceae exchange rate,
continuous flow)
Xu et al. (2016) 12 pots of 5 plant Araceae, Asparagaceae, Araliaceae, Experiment (equipment: Office (28 m2)
species Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae thermometer, hygrometer,
negative ion monitor)
Zhāng (2016) Potted plants were Asparagaceae, Apocynaceae, Field experiment (equipment: Office
placed in nine Araliaceae, Arecaceae, infrared gas analyzer,
offices Colchicaceae, Araceae
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
dust sampler, thermometer,
hygrometer)
Abbass et al. Foliage of 5 plant Nursery Araceae, Moraceae Experiment (equipment: 0.06 ppm ozone Glass chamber Pressed air
(2017) species air supply system, (gaseous) (0.052 m3) (air exchange
(leaf area ozone generator, ozone rate 3,
Environ Sci Pollut Res

969.1–1047 cm2, monitor, datalogger, flow continuous flow)

15.24 cm pot) controller, fluorescent lamp)
Ding et al. (2017) 2 pots of 8 plant Greenhouse Araliaceae, Moraceae, Experiment (equipment: 3.25–3.90 mg m−3 Glass chamber Ventilation
species each Araceae, Asphodelaceae, formaldehyde monitor, formaldehyde (0.32 m3)
Crassulaceae, Asparagaceae leaf area meter) (gaseous)
Fāng and Xi 2 plant species Araceae, Aspleniaceae Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde, Glass chamber
(2017) formaldehyde monitor, TVOC (gaseous) (0.064 m3)
TVOC monitor)
He and Wang Foliage of 5 plant Flower market Amaryllidaceae, Asphodelaceae, Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Glass chamber
(2017) species Araceae, Colchicaceae, formaldehyde monitor) (gaseous) (0.15 m3)
Asparagaceae
Hörmann et al. Foliage of 2 plant Wholesale market Araceae Experiment (equipment: 20 mg m−3 Plexiglas
(2017) species (acclimation: thermometer, hygrometer, (5.3 ppm) chamber
(12 cm pot) 100 μmol m−2 s−1 of 15 h CO2 monitor, heat exchanger, toluene, (0.24 m3)
of photoperiod, fan, sorption tube, gas 14.6 mg·m−3
22/21 °C day/night, chromatograph, flame (2.9 ppm)
60–70% humidity for 3 days ionization, mass spectrometer) 2-ethylhexanol
to 3 weeks (gaseous)
Lin et al. (2017) 4 pots of 1 plant Flower market Araliaceae Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Acrylic
species (8 cm pot) fan, fluorescent tube (gaseous) polymer box
exchangeable port, (0.225 m3)
micro-spectrometer, optical
radiometer, illuminometer,
air quality meter)
Sevik et al. (2017) 4 plant species Araceae, Asparagaceae, Moraceae Experiment (equipment: 2000 ppm carbon Glass chamber
(leaf area CO2 datalogger) dioxide (gaseous) (0.539 m3)
1395–10,380
cm2)
Tudiwer and With or without a Field experiment 2000 ppm carbon Classroom
Korjenic (2017) green wall (equipment: automatic watering dioxide (gaseous) (202.137,
(5488 m2, system, LED, thermometer, and 198.405 m3)
1% of the hygrometer, CO2 monitor, fan,
classroom CO2-pressure cylinder)
volume) in a
classroom
Yú et al. (2017) Foliage of 4 plant Flower market Araceae, Asphodelaceae, Experiment (equipment: Formaldehyde Glass chamber
species Asparagaceae formaldehyde monitor, (gaseous) (1 m3)
fan, thermometer)
Zhèng et al. (2017) 2 plant species Asparagaceae, Asphodelaceae Experiment (formaldehyde Formaldehyde Glass chamber
monitor, hygrometer, (gaseous) (1 m3)
fan, microsampler)
Dai et al. (2018) 25 plant species Experiment (equipment: Controlled Automatic
diaphragm pump) ecological ventilation
life support (batch flow)
system
Table 1 (continued)
Ghazalli et al. With or without 3 Asparagaceae Iridaceae, Araceae, Field experiment (equipment: Corridor
(2018) green walls Cactaceae, Nephrolepidaceae, glass slide, scanning electron (66.6 m2)
(0.38 m × 2.85 m) Apocynaceae, Vitaceae microscope, weather station)
in a corridor
(1.8 m wide and
37 m long)
Hörmann et al. 3 pots of foliage of 3 Wholesale market Araceae, Asparagaceae Experiment (heat exchanger, 20 mg m−3 toluene, Plexiglas Fan
(2018) plant species each (acclimation: infrared spectroscopy, 14.6 mg m−3 chamber (100 ml min−1)
(leaf area 7200, 100 μmol m−2 s−1 of 15 h fan, leaf area meter, 2-ethylhexanol (0.24 m3)
5700, 9400 cm2, of photoperiod, digital microscope, (gaseous)
respectively, 12, 22/20 °C day/night, diffusion porometer)
25 cm pot) 60–70% humidity for D.
maculate and S. wallisii,
greenhouse for
A. densiflorus
Panyametheekul Foliage of 3 plant Garden shop for live plants, Araceae, Lamiaceae, Asparagaceae Experiment (equipment: Burning incense Aluminum
et al. (2018) species of and 2 market for artificial plants photograph, MATLAB stick sheet lined
artificial plants program, fan, PM detector, (0.24–- chamber
(leaf area thermometer, hygrometer) 0.25 mg m−3, (8 m3)
1100–3900 cm2) particulate)
Teiri et al. (2018) 2 pots of 1 plant Flower market Arecaceae Experiment (equipment: fan, 0.66–16.4 mg m−3 Chamber
species (leaf area digital hygrothermometer, formaldehyde (0.375 m3)
1340, 24,300 cm2) digital light meter, flowmeter, (gaseous)
vacuum pump, impinge, gas
bubbler, spectrophotometer,
leaf area meter)
Wang et al. (2018) 5 plant species Asparagaceae, Araceae, Survey (equipment: negative ion Office
Asphodelaceae monitor, thermometer,
hygrometer)

Source Climate Exposure duration Sampling frequency/period Replication Outcomes Publication

languages

Wolverton et al. 3500 lx, 23.8–29.2 °C 24 h 6th, 24th hours 1 Chlorophytum elatum var. vittatum exhibited the optimal English
(1984) formaldehyde-eliminating effect
(2.27 μg cm2 of leaf surface area).
Godish and 1076–1506 lx of 12 h photoperiod, 8 days Every 8 h 1 Chlorophytum elatum var. vittatum significantly eliminated English
Guindon (1989) 23 °C, 50% humidity formaldehyde. Without foliage, Chlorophytum elatum
var. vittatum had the optimal formaldehyde-eliminating
effect.
Raza et al. (1991) 4h 4th hours 1 Bryophyllum and Agave could significantly reduce carbon English
dioxide in a kitchen at night.
Wolverton and 1150 lx of 12 h photoperiod, 25, 72 h 3 Nephrolepis exaltata, Chrysanthemum morifolium, and English
Wolverton 21.2–27.2 °C Phoenix roebelenii exhibited optimal
(1993) formaldehyde-eliminating effects. Phoenix roebelenii
could effectively remove xylene,
and Rhapis excelsa exhibited the optimal
ammonia-eliminating effect. Plant leaves and
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
microorganisms in the soil could remove chemicals from
the air.
Raza et al. (1995) Study 2: 1 h Study 1: 10 h Study 1: 3 Study 1: Planting a mixture of 3 plant species English
Study 2: 1 (Apicra deltoidea, Sedum pachyphyllum, and
Bryophyllum pinnata) could eliminate a substantial
Environ Sci Pollut Res

amount of carbon dioxide.

Study 2: Aprica deltoidea could eliminate 80% of carbon
dioxide without light.
Lohr and Study 1: 84 days Study 1: every 24 h (dust) 1 Dust accumulation in the laboratory and office was English
Pearson-Mims Study 2: 154 days significantly reduced when plants were present.
(1996) Furthermore, humidity was high with plants in the office.
Cornejo et al. Study 1: 22 °C, 55–65% humidity Study 1: 24 h Study 2: every 1 h for at least 6 h 1 Different pollutants and plant species affected plants’ English
(1999) Study 2: 23.0–26.4 °C, 47.4–51.5% Study 2: 8, 24 h pollutant absorption efficiency. Pelargonium
humidity domesticum, Ficus elastica, and Chlorophytum comosum
most effectively eliminated benzene. Chlorophytum
comosum could effectively eliminate trichloroethylene.
Wood et al. (2002) 120 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 9–41 days 1–24 h 4 Microorganisms in potting growth media were the main English
medium for rapidly eliminating benzene and n-hexane.
Plants played a role in maintaining microorganisms.
The efficiency of eliminating VOCs was positively
correlated with VOC concentration.
Orwell et al. 120 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 19–43 days 1–24 h 4 The elimination rate of benzene per pot was between 12 and English
(2004) 27 ppm day−1 with and without light. Plants mixed with
rhizosphere microorganisms were the primary medium
for eliminating benzene.
Li et al. (2006) 25% humidity 1 Plants and waterscapes could regulate temperature and Chinese
humidity as well as absorb carbon dioxide and toxic
substances.
Orwell et al. 120 μmol quanta m−2·s−1 9 days Several to 24 h 4 Plants could effectively reduce VOC levels to less than English
(2006) 0.02 ppm within 24 h.
Wood et al. (2006) 21–23 °C, 30–60% humidity Study 1:2 9-week 5 min for every week Study 1:3 Potted plants could reduce total VOCs by 50–75%. English
periods Study 2:4
Study 2:2 9-week
periods and 1
5-week period
Yoo et al. (2006) 60% humidity 6h Every 2 h 3 When only benzene or toluene was used, English
the 4 plants were more efficient in eliminating pollutants
during daytime.
However, when both benzene and toluene were present,
Hedera helix L had the optimal eliminating effect,
and the elimination efficiency of toluene was twice that
of benzene.
The purification effect between day and night did not
differ significantly.
Liu et al. (2007) 260–350 μmol m−2 s−1 of 14 h Study 1:2 h Every 2 h Study 1:1 Hydrangea macrophylla and Cymbidium Golden Elf were English
photoperiod, 25°C, 55% humidity Study 2:8 h for 2 days Study 2:3 the most effective in eliminating benzene.
Song et al. (2007) 72 h 1 Both local and exotic plant species efficiently eliminated English
VOCs. The purification effects of exotic species on
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were more
efficient than those of local species. Benzamine rubber
Table 1 (continued)
tree had the optimal purification effect, particularly for
eliminating formaldehyde, when it occupied 10% of the
space. Furthermore, Aglaonema planted in sunny places
had the optimal purification effect, specifically in
eliminating formaldehyde.
Wáng et al. (2007) 200, 500, 800 μmol m−2 s−1, 10 h 5 times for 10 h 3 Howea belmoreana and Schefflera octophylla had relatively Chinese
24–27 °C strong capacities for carbon fixation and oxygen release.
The photosynthetic rate of neutral plants was slightly
higher than that of heliophytes.
Wei et al. (2007) 24 h 1 Aloe vera var. chinensis could reduce formaldehyde. Chinese
Huang et al. Study 1 Study 1 (formaldehyde): 3 Syngonium podophyllum had the highest absorption Chinese
(2008) (formaldehyde): every 1 h capacity for benzene. Chlorophytum comosum had the
12 h Study 2 (benzene): highest absorption capacity for formaldehyde,
Study 2 (benzene): 6th, 12th, 24th, 48th hour but it did not absorb benzene. Prolonged exposure
48 h gradually reduced the plants’ absorption capacities for
formaldehyde and benzene, but these capacities could be
restored.
Kim et al. (2008) 20 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 of 12 h 5h Every 1 h 3 Fatsia japonica and Ficus benjamina required 96 and English
photoperiod, 23 °C, 40% humidity 123 min, respectively, to reduce the original
formaldehyde concentration to 50%.
Two plant species were more efficient in eliminating
formaldehyde (foliage) during the day, whereas the roots
effectively eliminated formaldehyde during the day and
night.
The efficiency ratios of formaldehyde elimination
(above and below the soil surface) were approximately
1:1 and 1:11 during the day and night, respectively.
The roots and microorganisms as well as foliage
accounted for approximately 90% and 10% of the
eliminated formaldehyde, respectively.
Lu et al. (2008) 25 °C 72 h 3 When benzene concentrations were 32.92, 52.07, Chinese
and 112.6 mg m−3, Echeveria pulvinata (Hook) Rose,
Aeonium arboreum (L.) Webb. Et Berth, and Aeonium
arboreum had the highest absorption rates per unit of leaf
area, respectively. The absorption rate per unit of leaf
area of Aeonium arboreum increased with benzene
concentration from 32.92 to 112.6 mg m−3
(~ 5 times).
Park et al. (2008) 15 weeks Every week 1 Plants helped reduce indoor temperature, increase relative English
humidity, and reduce particulate matter in the air.
Baosheng et al. 0, 300, 500, 700, 1000 lx, 21–26 °C 6, 50 h 1 min 1 The air-purifying capability of Phoenix roebelenii increased English
(2009) as the room temperature increased from 21 to 26 °C.
Kim et al. (2009) 63 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 of 12 h 5h Study 1: every 30 min Study 1: 6 When Epipremnum aureum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and English
photoperiod, 23 °C for 1 month Study 2: every 1 h for 5 h Gardenia jasminoides occupied 3%, 6%, and 9% of
indoor spaces, respectively, formaldehyde was
eliminated by 30.9%, 47.7%, and 67%, and humidity
increased by 4.8%, 8.3%, and 10%, respectively.
Formaldehyde could be reduced by approximately 7%
when potted plants occupied 1% of indoor space.
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)

Kuo (2009) 4h Every 1 h 3 Two potted Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms helped reduce Chinese
carbon dioxide when one person was in the office.
Liu and Yang 2009 1 Combinations of Pilea cadierei, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Chinese
Environ Sci Pollut Res

Chlorophytum, Ficus elastica, Sansevieria trifasciata,

and Epiphyllum could increase humidity. Pilea cadierei
had a relatively high transpiration rate per unit area.
Lim et al. (2009) 70–120 μmol m−2 s−1, 23 °C, 5h Every 1 h for 5 h 1 One pot of Fatsia could effectively eliminate 225 and English
30–80% humidity 80 μg m−3 of formaldehyde in the first 2 and final 3 h,
respectively.
Papinchak et al. 150–200 μmol m−2 s−1, 2h Every 5–6 min 3 times during The ozone depletion rate with plants was higher than that English
(2009) 31.1–39.6 °C, 49.8–75.6% day, 3 times without plants. No difference was observed among
humidity during night Sansevieria trifasciata, Chlorophytum comosum,
and Epipremnum aureum.
Tani and Hewitt 50–100 μmol m−2 s−1, 24–26 °C 6–8 h or 24–30 h Every 5 min 4–7 times Spathiphyllum clevelandii and Epipremnum aureum could English
(2009) (including an 8 h effectively eliminate aldehyde and ketone in the air,
dark period) respectively.
Yang et al. (2009) 5.45 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 6h 3rd, 6th hours 3 Hemigraphis alternata, Hedera helix, English
Hoya carnosa, and Asparagus densiflorus most
efficiently eliminated pollutants.
Elimination efficiencies differed by plants and
pollutants. Therefore, various plants are required to
maximize the purification effect on indoor air quality.
Yoon et al. (2009) 50 μmol·m−2·s−1, 24 °C, 55% 3h Every 10 min for PM10, 3 Plants could reduce tobacco smoke. English
humidity every 10 min for the first hour Removal efficiency differed by plant type regardless of
and every 30 min for the leaf area. Spathiphyllum spp. had the highest removal
following 2 h for PM1.0 and efficiency, which might be related to photosynthesis.
PM0.5
Zhao et al. (2009) 24 h 1 Epipremnum aureum had the greatest Chinese
formaldehyde-eliminating effect but also had the most
damage. Although the purification effect of Sansevieria
trifasciata Prain. var. laurentii N. E. Brown was lower
than that of Epipremnum aureum, it exhibited the least
damage.
A plant with a low degree of damage and satisfactory
purification effect is optimal.
An et al. (2010) 2.47–6.08 μmol m−2 s−1, 25 °C 12 h 1st, 12th hour 3 Plants could eliminate formaldehyde, and the air-purifying Chinese
effect was highest in Dianthus caryophyllus, followed by
Lsodon amethystoides.
Kim et al. (2010) 5h Every 1 h for 5 h 3 Ferns, particularly O. japonica, had the highest English
formaldehyde removal efficiency.
Zhao et al. (2010) 24 h 3 Plants could eliminate formaldehyde, and Chlorophytum Chinese
comosum exhibited the optimal elimination effect.
Aydogan and 2000–5000 lx of 12 h photoperiod, 24 h 3 min for 24 h 3 The roots of Hedera helix, Chrysanthemum morifolium, English
Montoya (2011) 21 °C Dieffenbachia compacta,
and Epipremnum aureum had a higher formaldehyde
elimination rate than the aerial parts of the plants did.
Kim et al. (2011a) 18 h Every 3 h 3 English
Table 1 (continued)
The efficiency of removing toluene increased the most
during the first and second fumigations and was greatly
reduced during the second and third fumigations.
Kim et al. (2011b) 1 h for formaldehyde, 3 Indoor potted plants and ventilation reduced formaldehyde English
benzene, toluene, ethylene, in January and July.
xylene
Linghu et al. 20–25 °C 48 h 0.5, l, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 24, 3 Hedera nepalensis var. sinensis had a strong tolerance and Chinese
(2011) 48 h the highest capacity for absorbing formaldehyde.
Pelargonium graveolens had a low tolerance but a high
absorption capacity for formaldehyde.
Scindapsus aureus had a strong tolerance but a low
absorption capacity for formaldehyde.
Oh et al. (2011) 16 μmol m−2 s−1, 21–25 °C, 30–60% 1.5 h Every 1 min for 1.5 h 3 Levels of carbon dioxide reduction were higher in the English
humidity presence of Spathiphyllum clevelandii, Ficus benjamina,
and Chrysalidocarpus lutescens as well as animals than
in the presence of only plants. Furthermore, in the
presence of plants and animals, these reduction levels
increased over time.
Song et al. (2011) 72 h 24th, 48th, 72th hours 1 The air-pollutant reduction effect increased with the number English
of plants. The plants exhibited a satisfactory purification
capacity in summer. Among the 3 plant species,
Ficus benjamina was the most effective in improving
indoor air quality.
Wu and Chen 25 °C 24 h 24th hours 3 Ficus elastica and Monstera deliciosa had favorable Chinese
(2011) absorption capacities for high formaldehyde
concentrations. However, because increasing
formaldehyde concentrations could affect the physiology
of plants, most plants could not achieve long-term
formaldehyde absorption.
Xu et al. (2011) 80, 160, 240 μmol m−2 s−1 of 12 h Till the concentration Every 72 h 1 Plants had a higher capacity for eliminating formaldehyde English
photoperiod, 23 °C approached the during the day.
phytotoxicity for Chlorophytum comosum had a high capacity for
each species removing formaldehyde. Increasing potting soil surface
exposure improved this capacity.
Fernández-Cañero 4 months Every 15 min 1 The plants could reduce average temperatures by 4 °C from English
et al. (2012) room temperature and increase overall humidity.
Kim et al. (2012) 60 μmol m−2 s−1 of 12 h photoperiod 12 h for stimulation, 0, 6th, 12th hour, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 3 The potentials of Begonia maculata Raddi, Ardisia crenata English
12 h for removal 7th day, 2nd, 3rd week Sims, and Ardisia japonica (Thunb.) Blume to eliminate
measurement toluene could be improved. A. japonica exhibited the
highest efficiency. However, the effect was reduced to the
original state over 1–7 days depending on the plant
species.
Pegas et al. (2012) 18.7–20.0 °C, 51.73–55.91% 9 weeks 1 time of 1 or 2 h for every 1 Potted plants could purify indoor air and significantly English
humidity 1 week for VOC and carbonyls reduce carbon dioxide, VOCs, and ammonia.
for 9 weeks; Particulate matter (PM10) was reduced by approximately
every 1 h (from 8:30–17:30) 30%.
for PM10 for 9 weeks
Ruan (2012) Study 1: 500 lx, 25 °C, 70% humidity At least 8 h 1 Polianthes tuberosa and Pothos aurea lit by a T8 Chinese
Study 2: 500, 1000 lx, 25 °C, fluorescent lamp and Hippeastrum reticulatum lit by a
70% humidity
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
halogen lamp and a T8 fluorescent lamp affected
formaldehyde absorption.
Xu (2012) 12 h 12th hour 3 Peperomia tetraphylla, Reineckea carnea, Aspidistra Chinese
elatior, Crassula portulacea, Stromanthe sanguinea,
and Nidularium fulgens were suitable for removing
Environ Sci Pollut Res

formaldehyde.
Yan et al. (2012) 4h 4th hour 3 Spraying lanthanum(III) chloride (LaCl3) on plants could English
enhance their formaldehyde absorption capacity.
The enhancement rates for Hedera helix, Chlorophytum
comosum, Epipremnum aureum, and Aglaonema
commutatum were 15.16%, 4.72%, 19.75%, and 7.68%,
respectively. Epipremnum aureum exhibited the highest
enhancement rate.
Yue and Yue 3–1360 μmol m−2 s−1 2 months Every 2 h for 22 h in a sunny day 3 The transpiration rates and net carbon dioxide absorption Chinese
(2012) changes of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and Aptenia
cordifolia under different lighting environments were
similar during day and night. In terms of carbon dioxide
absorption,
both species were suitable for placement in south-facing
rooms in a light environment of
1052–1360 μmol m−2 s−1. In north-facing rooms,
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana was suitable for placement in a
north-facing window, and Aptenia cordifolia was suitable
for placement in an east-facing window. In terms of
humidity,
both species were suitable for placement in south-facing
rooms under a light environment of
1052–1360 μmol m−2 s−1. Both species were suitable
for placement in north-facing window in a north-facing
room.
Irga et al. (2013) 10 μmol PAR m−2 s−1, 40 min for carbon Every 1 min for carbon dioxide, 3 Increasing the medium light intensity could help Syngonium English
350 μmol PAR m−2 s−1 for carbon, dioxide, every 24 h for benzene podophyllum reduce carbon dioxide. Solution culture
20 μmol PAR m−2 s−1 for benzene, 7 days for benzene could reduce carbon dioxide more than pot culture could.
23 °C Both solution and pot cultures could reduce benzene.
Kim et al. (2013) 25.2–27.2 °C, 47–57% humidity 9 days in 3 months 30 min each day 1 Potted plants could reduce benzene. English
Zhou et al. (2013) 25 °C, 60% humidity 72 h 6th, 18th, 24th, 48th, 72th hour 3 Plants could absorb benzene. Ivy had the highest benzene Chinese
resistance and absorption rate per unit leaf area.
Dela Cruz et al. 0–300 μmol m−2 s−1 96 h 8h 2 Hedera helix had a toluene removal rate of 66.5 μg m2 h−1, English
(2014) and the method of toluene exposure (semidynamic or
dynamic) significantly affected the plant’s toluene
removal rate.
Kim et al. (2014) 9 months Every 3 months for 60 min 5 Indoor plants could effectively reduce VOCs. English
Mosaddegh et al. 5 days Everyday 3 Ten O. microdasys plants could completely eliminate English
(2014) 2 ppm of benzene, toluene, xylene,
and ethylbenzene after 48, 55, 47, and 57 h, respectively.
Sriprapat et al. 12 h of photoperiod, 32 °C Study 1: 72 h Study 1: 24th, 48th, 72th hours Study 1: 3 Zamioculcas zamiifolia was the most efficient in xylene English
(2014) Study 2: 7 days Study 2: 10 elimination. However, xylene was toxic to the plant.
Study 3: 48 h Study: 3 Combinations of Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Aglaonema
commutatu, and Aglaonema commutatum could improve
xylene elimination capacity under all conditions.
Table 1 (continued)
Torpy et al. (2014) 10, 350 μmol m−2 s−1, 23 °C 40 min Every 1 min for 40 min 1 Ficus benjamina and Dypsis lutescens had favorable carbon English
dioxide removal rates under strong and weak light source
intensity
(2–8 μmol CO2 m−2 leaf area−1)
Wang et al. (2014) 25 °C 24 h 24th hour 3 Spathiphyllum floribundum and Epipremnum aureum had Chinese
high benzene resistance and removal rates.
Wú and Téng Study 2: 20 h Study 2: every 2 h 1 Study 1: plants could reduce radiation through foliage Chinese
(2014) blocking but not through radiation absorption.
Study 2: Cereus cv. Fairy Castle could increase humidity.
Hou and Xu 240 μmol m−2 s−1 of 12 h of Study 1: 10 days 1 Study 1: the formaldehyde removal ability of the foliage of English
(2015) photoperiod, 23 °C Study 2: 10 days 3 plant species during the day was considerably higher
than that at night. Chlorophytum comosum most
efficiently revmoved formaldehyde.
Study 2: benzene could significantly stimulate the
formaldehyde removal ability of the 3 plant species.
Hú and Zhang 8h 3.5 min for every 1 h 3 Sedum lineare could modify carbon dioxide, regulate Chinese
(2015) negative ions in the air, increase humidity, and reduce
temperatures.
Jing et al. (2015) 28–32 °C 24 h Every 4 h 1 Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Syngonium podophyllum, Chinese
Alocasia amazonica, Philodendron congo,
and A. macrorrhiza exhibited high levels of
formaldehyde absorption capability.
Li et al. (2015a) 25 °C 12 h Every 2 h 3 The formaldehyde absorption rate of Tillandsia velutina English
was high during the first 2 h, and its trichomes could
enhance formaldehyde absorption.
Li et al. (2015b) 25 °C 96 h Every 24 h 3 Pneumatopteris nidus absorbed the most formaldehyde, English
and absorption peaked on the third day.
Liang et al. (2015) 900–1400 lx, 22–24 °C, 25–40% 240 h Every 24 h 1 Gynura divaricata (L.) DC. had the highest ability to Chinese
humidity remove cigarette smoke, whereas Begonia maculata
Raddi had the highest tolerance.
Su and Lin (2015) 6.99 μmol m−2 s−1 24 h Every 1 min 1 The carbon dioxide and formaldehyde removal rates of the English
(approximately 512.5 lx) foliage in each pot were 1.981 and 0.003 ppm h−1,
respectively. Green walls could reduce indoor
temperatures by 2 °C and increase relative humidity by
10%.
Yan et al. (2015) 4h 1 Spraying an appropriate concentration (20 mg L−1) of English
LaCl3 could increase the formaldehyde absorption
capability of Epipremnum aureum by 19.75%.
Cetin and Sevil 28 h (exposure Every 5 min 1 All plants reduced carbon dioxide concentrations within a English
(2016) duration of 45 h, but day. Ficus elastica and Yucca massengena reduced
only evaluated 28 h) carbon dioxide concentrations during the day, whereas
Codiaeum variegatum and Ocimum basilicum produced
less carbon dioxide at night.
Ge and Lǐ 2016 21.3 °C, 31% humidity 30 h Every 90 min for 5 times 3 The average formaldehyde and total VOC (TVOC) Chinese
absorption rates of Crassula capitella after 24 h were
12.63% and 5.7–7%, respectively.
Geng et al. (2016) 26 °C (air conditioning condition) 1 month Every 10 min for 2 days for no air 1 Under natural conditions, the average and maximum Chinese
conditioned, every 10 min for temperatures were lower, and the relative humidity was
1 day for air conditioned 12.8% higher. In air conditioning, temperature
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Table 1 (continued)
fluctuations were smaller, and relative humidity was
7.4% higher.
Husti et al. (2016) 2 months Every weeks 1 The carbon dioxide removal rates of Ficus elastica, English
Dracaena deremensis, and Sansevieria trifasciata were
58.33%.
Environ Sci Pollut Res

The average removal rates of chemical pollutants

(ozone, sulfur dioxide, dodecane, and o-xylene) were
approximately 25%.
Kerschen et al. 81 μmol m−2 s−1 at the top of the root 24 h 2 At a relative humidity of 25%, the transpiration rate of English
(2016) medium, 129 μmol m−2 s−1 at Chlorophytum comosum was approximately 15 g h−1
foliage canopy of 11 h of dark, with light, whereas that of Crassula argentea was
20 °C, 25, 60% humidity, approximately 11 g h−1 without light. Using various
97–99 kPa plants with different photosynthesis pathways helped
maintain the transpiration rate during the day and night.
Kim et al. (2016) 15–25 °C 5 months 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 1 Potted plants helped reduce carbon dioxide, English
every Monday, Wednesday, toluene, and xylene.
Friday over 3 weeks
Li et al. (2016) 2.47–6.08 μmol m−2 s−1, 25 °C 2h 2nd hours 3 Spraying LaCl3 could enhance plant tolerance and Chinese
absorption capacity for formaldehyde,
and the degree of enhancement was affected by
formaldehyde concentration. Sansevieria trifasciata and
Chlorophytum comosum had satisfactory absorption
effects.
Lu et al. (2016) 25 °C 24 h 24th hour 3 Spathiphyllum floribundum had the highest benzene Chinese
removal rate, whereas Sansevieria trifasciata var.
laurentii exhibited the greatest benzene removal effect
per unit area.
Mo et al. (2016) 26 °C, 65% humidity 1 month Every 2 h (air quality, 5 times Epipremnum aureum exhibited optimal carbon fixation and Chinese
temperature, humidity), (air quality, oxygen release capacities per unit green area.
1 month (retain dust) temperature, The daily carbon fixation and oxygen release per unit
humidity), green area were 5.48 and 3.98 g m−2 d−1, respectively.
3 times The cooling and humidifying effects were optimal for
(retain dust) Philodendron mandaianum, for which the daily
humidification and cooling rates per unit area were
581.34 g m−2 d−1 and 1415.85 kJ m−2 d−1, respectively,
and could reduce the temperature by 0.12 °C.
The dust-retention effect was optimal in Anthurium
andraeanum, for which the daily and annual dust per unit
area were 0.01 g m−2 and 3.64 g m−2 d−1, respectively.
Stapleton and 3h Every 10 min 1 Individual Juniperus chinensis plants exhibited the highest English
Ruiz-Rudolph rate of reducing indoor ultrafine particles (5.5%). Plant
(2016) surface areas were significantly correlated with ultrafine
particle removal rates (R2 = 0.85).
Xu et al. (2016) 1 year Every 2 h from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 5 The concentration of negative ions was higher with 12 Chinese
1 day of every 1 month potted plants than without plants, and the highest
concentration of negative ions was released by
Cymbidium sinense (Jackson ex Andr.) Willd.
Zhāng (2016) 25 days Every 5 days 1 Indoor plants exhibited satisfactory carbon dioxide and Chinese
PM10 reduction effects. However, the temperature and
humidity improvement effects were nonsignificant.
Table 1 (continued)
Abbass et al. 41.2 μmol m−2 s−1, 21 °C, 50% 8 h (ozonated air) and Every 1 min 1 Spathiphyllum, Ficus Decora Burgundy, English
(2017) humidity 16 h (nonozonated Calathia sp., Dieffenbachia sp., and Epipremnum
air stream) for aureum exhibited ozone removal capabilities of
3 days 0.5–5.5 m h−1. Increasing illumination could increase
the ozone removal efficiency of these plants.
Ding et al. (2017) 16 h of photoperiod, 25 °C 48 h Every 8 h 3 The plants could absorb formaldehyde. Chinese
Hedera L., Schefflera octophylla, and Ficus elastica had
satisfactory comprehensive removal capabilities and
tolerance to formaldehyde.
Fāng and Xi 12 h Every 3 h (from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) 3 The average formaldehyde absorption rates of Neottopteris Chinese
(2017) nidus and Scindapsus aureus were 98.50% and 97.76%,
respectively.
In addition, their average TVOC absorption rates were
79.35% and 77.14%, respectively.
He and Wang 12 h Every 2 h 1 Five species, particularly Clivia miniata Regel Gartenfl. and Chinese
(2017) Sansevieria trifasciata Prain., exhibited satisfactory
formaldehyde removal capabilities. However,
differences depended on formaldehyde concentration.
Hörmann et al. 180 μmol m−2 s−1, 48 h 6th minute, 5th, 24th, 29th, 48th 4 Dieffenbachia maculata and Spathiphyllum wallisii English
(2017) 22 °C, 70% humidity, hour for toluene, 1st, 5th, 24th, removed VOCs the most rapidly.
500 ppm carbon dioxide 29th, 48th hour for
2-ethylhexanol
Lin et al. (2017) 1200 lm (every 6 h was toggled Time required to Every 1 min 1 When using a method that released pollutants slowly, English
between light and dark attenuate to the time required for Hedera helix to reduce gaseous
environments) 0.05 ppm formaldehyde to 0.5 ppm was 70% less than that by
natural dissipation.
Sevik et al. (2017) 20,000 lx of 12 h of photoperiod, 5 days Every 5 min 10 Plants could reduce carbon dioxide in different light English
15, 20, 25, 30, 35 °C environments. Ficus benjamina exhibited the highest
reduction rate.
Tudiwer and 9 months Every 5 min for temperature and 4 A classroom with green walls had higher relative humidity English
Korjenic (2017) (from February to humidity, every 10 s for carbon and lower mold spore and carbon dioxide concentrations
December, except dioxide, every 1 min for mold than did a classroom without green walls.
July and August spores
were not used for
analysis)
Yú et al. (2017) 24 h Every 1 h 6 The first 10 h were the peak period of formaldehyde Chinese
absorption by Chlorophytum comosum, Epipremnum
aureum, Crassula, and Aloe. Absorption efficiency
decreased afterwards. After 24 h, Epipremnum aureaum
had the highest formaldehyde removal rate of 91.8%.
Zhèng et al. (2017) ≧ 5000 lx, 23 °C 48 h 0th, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, 30th, 1 No significant difference was observed between the Chinese
36th, 48th hour formaldehyde removal effects of Chlorophytum
comosum, Aloe, and natural attenuation of formaldehyde.
Dai et al. (2018) 180 days Every 30 days 1 Concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, English
and xylene decreased over 180 days,
whereas toluene concentrations fluctuated.
Ghazalli et al. 5 months 3 times for particulate matter, 1 A green wall could considerably affect humidity and reduce English
(2018) every month for temperature PM.
and humidity
48 h 4 English
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Environ Sci Pollut Res

comosum (19 times, 3.82%) and Dracaena deremensis (15

Chinese
Five plants could absorb suspended particles (PM2.5) at a English

Chamaedorea elegans can eliminate more formaldehyde in English

times, 3.02%). Table 3 lists the 20 most frequently discussed
plant species in the studies. In general, E. aureum, Ficus
species and lighting conditions exhibited differences in elastica, and Sansevieria trifasciata had higher air quality

concentration of negative ions on sunny days, whereas

Spathiphyllum wallisii, and Asparagus densiflorus had

The removal ratio of foliage to soil on the surface was

rate of approximately 0.05–0.08 h−1 with similar total
improvement abilities than other tested plant species did
limited effects on removing VOCs. In addition, plant

Spathiphyllum kochii and Epipremnum aureum were

(Table 4).

The concentrations of negative ions released by

Epipremnum aureum released a relatively high
concentration of negative ions on cloudy days.
Sansevieria trifasciata released a relatively high
The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV classification was
The surface foliage of Dieffenbachia maculata,

used to identify 75 families. The most frequently discussed

family was Araceae (144 times, 23.65%), followed by
Asparagaceae (94 times, 15.44%) and Araliaceae (36 times,
5.91%). Table 3 also lists the 20 most frequently studied plant
families.
terms of VOC removal.

a well-lit environment.

The plant quantities, pot diameters, leaf area, pot quantities,

and plant heights were provided in 52 (54.74%), 31 (32.63%),
relatively stable.
25 (26.32%), 16 (16.84%), and 11 (11.58%) studies,
leaf areas.

71%:29%

respectively.
Among the 95 articles, only 30 (31.58%) described the
general environment in which plants were grown; flower mar-
kets were the most frequent (14 times, 46.67%), followed by
greenhouses (7 times, 23.33%), commercial producer (4
times, 13.33%), nurseries (3 times, 10.00%), and wholesale
markets (2 times, 6.64%). Among these 30 articles, only 9
4
2

provided the data on plant acclimation before the experiments.

60 s at the 1st, 5th, 24th, 29th,
30 s at the 6th minute, 5th, 24th,

Moreover, seven other articles (7.37%) specifically described

48th hour for 2-ethylhexanol
29th, 48th hour for toluene,

Every other seconds for 24 h

plant acclimation (Table 1).

Some of the 95 journal articles included multiple studies,
and others used different study designs. Therefore, a total of
96 study designs were identified, of which 73 (76.04%) were
2 times a day

experiments, 18 (18.75%) were field experiments, and 5

Continuous

(5.21%) were surveys. Experiments refer to research in which

a particular factor is manipulated between the experimental
and control groups to analyze causes and effects (Wikipedia
weather, 6 days for

n.d.). Field experiments are experiments conducted in natural

10 days for sunny

settings (Sage n.d.). Surveys obtain a general view of a situa-

cloudy/rainy

tion (Dictionary n.d.).

*To avoid confusion, the last names of the first five authors are listed
weather

The most-used instruments in the reviewed journal articles

were gas chromatographs (30 times, 9.38%), followed by fans
24 h

1928.6 lx, 30.54 °C, 76.04% humidity 48 h

(29 times, 9.06%), formaldehyde monitors (21 times, 6.56%),

hygrometers (17 times, 5.31%), thermometers (17 times,
humidity, 500 ppm carbon dioxide

5.31%), leaf area meters (13 times, 4.06%), CO2 monitors

23.7–25.6 °C, 54–80% humidity
180 μmol m−2 s−1, 22 °C, 70%

(11 times, 3.44%), data loggers (11 times, 3.44%), liquid chro-
matographic systems (7 times, 2.19%), and photosynthetic
analyzers (7 times, 2.19%; Table 5).
The studies measured environmental effects including air
quality, such as air pollutants (88 times, 69.84%), humidity
(20 times, 15.87%), temperature (13 times, 10.32%), negative
ions (3 times, 2.38%), radiation (1 time, 0.79%), and mold
spores (1 time, 0.79%; Table 6).
Table 1 (continued)

Wang et al. (2018)

Pollutants were induced in experiments in 70 (73.68%)

Teiri et al. (2018)
Panyametheekul
Hörmann et al.

et al. (2018)

journal articles. In all the reviewed studies, plants were ex-

posed to 24 pollutants, among which gaseous pollutants were
(2018)

used 64 times (94.12%) and particulate pollutants were used

only four times (5.88%). Specifically, the studies used
 Environ Sci Pollut Res

Table 2 Numbers and percentages of journal articles published in English and Chinese every 6 years

Publication year Publication languages Total

Chinese English

Number of publications Percentage (%) Number of publications Percentage (%) Number of publications Percentage (%)

1984–1989 0 0.00 2 3.13 2 2.11

1990–1995 0 0.00 3 4.69 3 3.16
1996–2001 0 0.00 2 3.13 2 2.11
2002–2007 3 9.67 7 10.94 10 10.53
2008–2013 11 35.48 24 37.50 35 36.84
2014–2018 17 54.84 26 40.63 43 45.26
Total 31 100 64 100 95 100

formaldehyde 38 times (35.19%), benzene 18 times (16.67%), used for fumigation chambers were glass (43.56%) and
and toluene 14 times (12.96%; Table 7). Here, the pollutant plexiglass (12.87%). The largest chamber measured
concentrations in each article were converted, and 16.131 m3 (Kerschen et al. 2016), whereas the smallest mea-
unconvertible units were excluded (only the volume or vol- sured 0.00006 m3 (Li et al. 2015a).
ume concentration of a pollutant was provided). In total, 67 Ventilation was mentioned in 57 (60%) articles.
articles used the commonly discussed pollutant concentration Continuous- and batch-flow ventilations were identified in
of ppm. Other studies provided pollutant concentrations in mg only 13 (13.54%) and 7 (7.37%) studies, respectively.
m−3. Moreover, the 57 articles used various ventilation methods,
All the journal articles described their research environ- such as using pumped air (8 times, 19.51%), fans (4 times,
ments. Most studies used fumigation chambers (67 times, 9.76%), windows (4 times, 9.76%), doors (3 times, 7.32%),
66.34%), and the other research environments were rooms air conditioning (2 times, 4.88%), ventilators (2 times,
(25 times, 24.75%; Table 8). The most common materials 4.88%), compressed air (1 time, 2.44%), and windows with

Table 3 Most frequently studied plant families and species

Plant family Frequency Percentage (%) Scientific name Frequency Percentage (%)

Araceae 144 23.65 Epipremnum aureum 35 7.04

Asparagaceae 94 15.44 Chlorophytum comosum 19 3.82
Araliaceae 36 5.91 Dracaena deremensis 15 3.02
Arecaceae 29 4.76 Ficus elastica 13 2.62
Moraceae 28 4.60 Sansevieria trifasciata 13 2.62
Lamiaceae 22 3.61 Hedera helix 12 2.41
Crassulaceae 21 3.45 Syngonium podophyllum 11 2.21
Asphodelaceae 14 2.30 Ficus benjamina 10 2.01
Cactaceae 13 2.13 Spathiphyllum wallisii 9 1.81
Primulaceae 11 1.81 Asplenium nidus 7 1.41
Bromeliaceae 9 1.48 Chamaedorea elegans 7 1.41
Marantaceae 9 1.48 Aglaonema commutatum 6 1.21
Urticaceae 9 1.48 Anthurium andraeanum 6 1.21
Aspleniaceae 8 1.31 Fatsia japonica 6 1.21
Nephrolepidaceae 7 1.15 Rhapis excelsa 6 1.21
Orchidaceae 7 1.15 Ardisia pusilla 5 1.01
Asteraceae 6 0.99 Dracaena marginata 5 1.01
Commelinaceae 6 0.99 Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 5 1.01
Euphorbiaceae 6 0.99 Aloe vera 4 0.80
Geraniaceae 6 0.99 Cissus rhombifolia 4 0.80
 Environ Sci Pollut Res

Table 4 Plant air improvement abilities

Plant Substance Source Outcomes

Epipremnum aureum Formaldehyde Kim et al. 2009 (experiment) When the plant occupied 3% of indoor space,
formaldehyde was eliminated by 30.9% and humidity increased by 4.8%.
Zhao et al. 2009 (experiment) Formaldehyde elimination rate was 0.69.
Yú et al. 2017 (experiment) After 24 h, the highest formaldehyde removal rate was 0.918.
Aldehyde, ketone Tani and Hewitt 2009 (experiment) The uptake rate of normalization to ambient concentration ranged from
7 to 19 and from 2 to 7 mmol m−2 s−1 for aldehydes and ketones, respectively.
Benzene Wang et al. 2014 (experiment) Benzene elimination rate was 0.8853.
Oxygen Mo et al. 2016 (survey) Daily amount of oxygen released per unit of leaf area was 2.37 g m−2 d−1.
Negative ions Wang et al. 2018 (survey) During rainy days, 348 ions cm−3 were released.
Ficus elastica Formaldehyde Kim et al. 2010 (experiment) When formaldehyde concentration was 2 mL L−1,
formaldehyde removal was 0.82 mg m−3 cm−2 leaf area.
Wu and Chen 2011 (experiment) When formaldehyde concentration was 0.89 mg m−3, formaldehyde elimination rate was 0.54.
Ding et al. 2017 (experiment) After 48 h, formaldehyde was reduced by 1.3521 mg h−1 m−2.
Benzene Cornejo et al. 1999 (experiment) Benzene removal rate was 0.95 in 24 h.
Carbon dioxide Cetin and Sevil 2016 (experiment) The plant reduced the carbon dioxide concentration from 2798 to 582 ppm during the day.
Sansevieria trifasciata Benzene, toluene, octane, Yang et al. 2009 (experiment) Over 6 h, the efficiency of removing benzene, toluene, octane, trichloroethylene (TCE),
TCE, α-pinene and α-pinene was 1.76, 4.97, 2.73, 4.61, and 5.49 mg m−3 m−2 h−1, respectively.
Benzene Lu et al. 2016 (experiment) When the benzene concentrations were 15, 30, and 60 mg m−3,
benzene removal rates per area unit were 3.9243, 5.2936, and 5.3596 mg m−2 h−1, respectively.
Formaldehyde He and Wang 2017 (experiment) After exposure to 20 μL of formaldehyde for 12 h, formaldehyde removal rate was 0.7986.
Negative ions Wang et al. 2018 (survey) On rainy days, 196 ions cm−3 were released. On sunny days, 244 ions cm−3 were released.
 Environ Sci Pollut Res

Table 5 Frequencies and percentages of the 10 most-used instruments Table 7 Frequencies and percentages of pollutants studied

Equipment Number Percentage (%) Pollutants Number Percentage (%)

Gas chromatograph 30 9.38 Formaldehyde 38 35.19

Fan 29 9.06 Benzene 18 16.67
Formaldehyde detector 21 6.56 Toluene 14 12.96
Humidity sensor 17 5.31 Carbon dioxide 7 6.48
Temperature sensor 17 5.31 Xylene 6 5.56
Leaf area meter 13 4.06 Ethylbenzene 3 2.78
CO2 monitor 11 3.44 2-Ethylhexanol 2 1.85
Data logger 11 3.44 Ozone 2 1.85
Liquid chromatography 7 2.19 Styrene 2 1.85
Photosynthetic analyzer 7 2.19 Trichloroethylene 2 1.85
TVOC 2 1.85
Aldehydes 1 0.93
mechanical ventilation (1 time, 2.44%). However, not all arti- Ammonia 1 0.93
cles mentioned ventilation rates. The present study aggregated Cigarette smoke 1 0.93
the ventilation volume. Airflow circulation exhibited the Ethylene 1 0.93
highest rate of 4500 L min−1 (Papinchak et al. 2009), whereas Incense stick 1 0.93
fans exhibited the lowest rate of 0.1 L min−1 (Hörmann et al. Ketones 1 0.93
2018). M-xylene 1 0.93
Study climate was described in 54 (56.84%) articles. The
N-hexane 1 0.93
descriptions included a total of 67 temperature records, of
Octane 1 0.93
which the highest was 39.6 °C (Papinchak et al. 2009), and
Tobacco smoke (particulate matter) 1 0.93
the lowest was 15 °C (Sevik et al. 2017). Furthermore, these
Ultrafine particle 1 0.93
articles included a total of 55 illumination records, of which
α-Pinene 1 0.93
35 were expressed in quanta. The maximum value was
Total 108 100
350 μmol m−2 s−1 (Liu et al. 2007; Irga et al. 2013; Torpy
et al. 2014), and the minimum value was 0 μmol m−2 s−1 (Dela
Cruz et al. 2014). In addition, 20 records were reported using
illuminance with a maximum value of 20,000 lx (Sevik et al. frequency or period data were provided in 81 (85.26%) arti-
2017) and minimum value of 0 lx (Baosheng et al. 2009). In cles. Because the difference in sampling frequencies among
addition, a total of 34 studies recorded humidity with a max- the studies was relatively large, this study divided sampling
imum of 80% (Lim et al. 2009; Panyametheekul et al. 2018) frequency into two categories: regular and irregular. The least
and minimum of 25% (Li et al. 2006; Liang et al. 2015; frequent regular sampling frequency for field experiments was
Kerschen et al. 2016). once every 3 months (Kim et al. 2014), and the most frequent
Pollutant exposure duration data were reported in 92 was once per second (Wang et al. 2018). For experiments with
(96.84%) articles. The longest pollutant exposure duration in irregular sampling frequency, data was collected during the
experiments was 1 year (Xu et al. 2016), and the shortest was third week in the longest case (Kim et al. 2012) and at the
40 min (Irga et al. 2013; Torpy et al. 2014). Sampling beginning of the experiment in the shortest case (i.e., hour 0)
(Kim et al. 2012; Zhèng et al. 2017). Only seven articles
Table 6 Frequencies and percentages of environmental effects described the sampling period in detail, which for experiments
measured ranged from 30 s (Hörmann et al. 2018) to 2 h (Xu et al. 2016)
(Table 9).
Physical environment Number Percentage (%)
All the journal articles explicitly or implicitly provided data
Air quality 88 69.84 for their replications (repeating experiments or measurements
Humidity 20 15.87 by using the same method). The majority (56.57%) replicated
Temperature 13 10.32 their experimental measurements. The number of replications
Negative ion 3 2.38 ranged from 1 to 10 (1.10%), and the most common number
Radiation 1 0.79 of replications (41.41%) was 3, of which the average values
Mold spores 1 0.79 were recorded. When the number of replications was unspec-
Total 126 100 ified in an article, this study assumed that one replication was
performed (Table 10).
Environ Sci Pollut Res

Table 8 Frequencies and percentages of research environments used

Environment Number Percentage (%)

Chamber Glass chamber 44 43.56

Plexiglass chamber 13 12.87
Chamber 7 6.93
Plastic chamber 2 1.98
Aluminum chamber 1 0.99
Room 25 24.75
Other 9 (such as hall, closed space, PFA bag, glass jar, vacuum drier, and corridor) 8.91
Total 101 100

Discussion dioxide (C3 photosynthetic pathway), which is harmful to

humans. However, some plants that use crassulacean acid me-
Summary of the evidence tabolism (CAM) can absorb carbon dioxide at night
(Baosheng et al. 2009; Kerschen et al. 2016; Kuo 2009; Liu
According to the number of journal articles published on in- and Yang 2009; Yang et al. 2009). Moreover, indoor plants
door plants affecting air quality, studies on the topic have been may attract pests and diseases, have harmful substances and
increasing. This indicates that indoor air quality in which peo- microorganisms in the soil, and accumulate dust on leaves.
ple spend prolonged periods is drawing increased attention. The primary effects of the potential of the indoor plants
Indoor plants may improve the quality of life. In daytime, based on this review are air purification and quality improve-
plants perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen, which is ment (Table 1). In general, indoor plants have great potential
beneficial for humans, but at night, most plants release carbon to purify the air regardless of time of day or the foliage,

Table 9 Pollutant exposure durations, sampling frequencies, and sampling periods

Factor Study design Maximum Minimum Number

Exposure duration Experiment 1 year 40 min 103

(Xu et al. 2016) (Irga et al. 2013; Torpy et al. 2014)
Field 9 months 4h
experiment (Kim et al. 2014; Tudiwer (Raza et al. 1991; Kuo 2009)
and Korjenic 2017)
Survey 2 months 10 h
(Yue and Yue 2012; Husti (Wáng et al. 2007)
et al. 2016)
Sampling Regular Experiment Every 1 month Every 1 min 57
frequency/period sampling (Xu et al. 2016; Dai et al. (Oh et al. 2011; Irga et al. 2013; Torpy et al. 2014;
frequency 2018) Su and Lin 2015; Abbass et al. 2017; Lin et al. 2017)
Field Every 3 month Every 1 min
experiment (Kim et al. 2014) (Tudiwer and Korjenic 2017)
Survey Every 1 month Every 1 s
(Mo et al. 2016) (Wang et al. 2018)
Irregular Experiment 3rd week 0 70
sampling (Kim et al. 2012) (Kim et al. 2012; Zhèng et al. 2017)
frequency Field 24th hour 1st hour
experiment (Lohr and Pearson-Mims (Kim et al. 2011b)
1996; Lu et al. 2016)
Sampling period Experiment 2h 30 s 7
(Xu et al. 2016) (Hörmann et al. 2018)
Field 1h 5 min
experiment (Pegas et al. 2012; Kim Wood et al. 2006
et al. 2014)
 Environ Sci Pollut Res

Table 10 Frequencies and percentages of research or measurement Limitations

replications

Replication Number of times Percentage (%) Of the studies reviewed, only 18.75% were field experiments
conducted in living environments, whereas 76.04% were con-
1 43 43.43 ducted using laboratory experiments (Table 4), of which
2 3 3.03 66.34% were performed in small fumigation chambers.
3 41 41.41 Therefore, whether the results of these studies can be directly
4 8 8.08 generalized or applied to actual life situations is yet deter-
5 2 2.02 mined. For instance, pollutant concentrations and volatiliza-
6 1 1.01 tion rates in fumigation chambers are typically higher than
7 0 0.00 those in actual environments (e.g. Irga et al. 2013; Li et al.
8 0 0.00 2016; Kim et al. 2008, 2009, 2010; Oh et al. 2011; Sriprapat
9 0 0.00 et al. 2014; Teiri et al. 2018; Yú et al. 2017; Zhao et al. 2010).
10 1 1.01 Although indoor plants have great potential to purify air qual-
Total 99 100 ity in general, only 24 types of pollutants are discussed in the
review studies. Therefore, additional empirical research inves-
tigating the effects of indoor plants on other single as well as
medium, or microorganisms in the medium (Kim et al. 2008; various pollutants other than formaldehyde, benzene, and tol-
Orwell et al. 2004; Xu et al. 2011; Yoo et al. 2006). In addi- uene is warranted.
tion, when this air-purifying effect weakens, it can be restored Because some studies did not report means and standard
by isolating plants from the pollutants (Huang et al. 2008). deviations, the present study could not perform a meta-analy-
Specifically, E. aureum, F. elastica, and S. trifasciata can im- sis. Furthermore, standardized measurement units are sug-
prove air quality more than other tested plant species can. The gested to help nonexperts interested in the effects of indoor
secondary effects of the potential of the indoor plants are in- plants on air quality compare the results of different studies.
creased humidity followed by reduced room temperature Moreover, additional complete and accurate information
(Table 1). Both effects can modify the microclimate of a room should be provided regarding the experimental protocols—
and make an indoor environment more comfortable. particularly on acclimation, plant quantity, ventilation, climate
Moreover, air quality and microclimates can be improved conditions, sampling frequency or period, and replication—as
using various plants (Kerschen et al. 2016; Liu and Yang a consistent benchmark for transparency, easy replication, and
2009; Sriprapat et al. 2014; Yang et al. 2009), such as C3 direct comparison. Without standardized experimental proto-
and CAM plants or those that can purify air and increase cols and measurement units, comparing plant performance in
humidity, which may reduce the need for mechanical ventila- pollutant depletion is difficult (Table 11).
tion and air conditioning, thereby reducing energy
consumption. Suggestions
This systematic review identified comprehensive evi-
dence that indoor plants have great potential to purify Standardized experimental protocols and standardized mea-
air and improve its quality on the basis of 88 related surement units are proposed herein.
studies (Table 1) with diverse research situations Given the difficulty in determining plant growth con-
(Table 11). Although this diversity demonstrates the ef- dition before the experiment, detailed data on acclimation,
fects of plants on indoor air quality in various situations, such as illumination (μmol m−2 s−1), photoperiod, temper-
the diversity of research situations make direct compari- ature (°C, day/night), relative humidity, watering, fertili-
son of plant effects difficult. Therefore, E. aureum, zation, exposure duration, and atmospheric pressure,
F. elastica, and S. trifasciata are relatively more efficient should be provided (e.g., Hörmann et al. 2018; Irga
species rather than the most efficient species. This study et al. 2013; Kim et al. 2010, 2011a; Torpy et al. 2014;
synthesized diverse data on the effects of indoor plants on Yoo et al. 2006). Illumination should be measured in mi-
air quality to provide an overview rather than to divide cromoles per square meter per second because more jour-
and compare the data. Moreover, in contrast to studies on nal articles have used this unit more than they have used
the effects of indoor plants on air quality, more studies on lux. Furthermore, the American Society of Agricultural
the effects of indoor plants on indoor humidity and tem- and Biological Engineers recommends “micromole per
perature are warranted (Table 6). Furthermore, studies on meter-square per second” as the standard measure of light
indoor plant effects on negative ions, radiation, and mold intensity in agriculture. Volatile organic compounds
spores are relatively limited (Table 6). Thus, more empir- (VOCs) are absorbed by plants via the stomata and epi-
ical studies are required to prove these effects. dermis then further metabolized. Therefore, expressing
Environ Sci Pollut Res

Table 11 Research situations of the reviewed studies

Research situations Maximum Minimum

Plant quantity Number of pots 25 (field experiment) 1 (experiment)

(Kim et al. 2011b) (Liang et al. 2015)
Pot diameter (cm) 35.60 (experiment) 8 (experiment)
(Wolverton and Wolverton 1993) (Lin et al. 2017)
Plant height (cm) 156 (experiment) 7.40 (experiment)
(Kim et al. 2010) (Kim et al. 2010)
Leaf area 24,300 (experiment) 7.50 (experiment)
(Teiri et al. 2018) (Ruan 2012)
Green coverage ratio 40 (field experiment) 30 (field experiment)
(Li et al. 2006) (Li et al. 2006)
Volume (%) 10 (experiment) 1 (field experiment)
(Song et al. 2007; Song et al. 2011) (Tudiwer and Korjenic 2017)
Induced pollutants (ppm) Formaldehyde 17 (experiment) 0.02 (experiment)
(Wolverton et al. 1984) (Ge and Lǐ 2016)
Benzene 50 (experiment) 0.15 (experiment)
(Wood et al. 2002; Orwell et al. 2004) (Liu et al. 2007)
Toluene 100 (experiment) 0.2 (experiment)
(Orwell et al. 2006) (Orwell et al. 2006)
carbon dioxide 2000 (experiment) 400 (experiment)
(Su and Lin 2015; Sevik et al. 2017) (Raza et al. 1995)
Xylene 20 (experiment) 2 (experiment)
(Sriprapat et al. 2014) (Mosaddegh et al. 2014)
Ozone 0.2 (experiment) 0.06 (experiment)
(Papinchak et al. 2009) (Abbass et al. 2017)
m-Xylene 100 (experiment) 0.2 (experiment)
(Orwell et al. 2006) (Orwell et al. 2006)
n-Hexane 150 (experiment) 100 (experiment)
(Wood et al. 2002) (Wood et al. 2002)
Temperature (°C) 39.6 (experiment) 15 (experiment)
(Papinchak et al. 2009) (Sevik et al. 2017)
Humidity (%) 80 (experiment) 25 (experiment)
(Lim et al. 2009; (Li et al. 2006; Liang et al. 2015;
Panyametheekul et al. 2018) Kerschen et al. 2016)
Illuminance (lux) 20,000 (experiment) 0 (experiment)
(Sevik et al. 2017) (Baosheng et al. 2009)
Quantum (μmol m−2·s−1) 350 (experiment) 0 (experiment)
(Liu et al. 2007; Irga et al. 2013; Torpy et al. 2014) (Dela Cruz et al. 2014)
Ventilation rate (L min−1) 4500 (experiment) 0.1 (experiment)
(Papinchak et al. 2009) (Hörmann et al. 2018)
Chamber volume (m3) 16.131 (experiment) 0.00006 (experiment)
(Kerschen et al. 2016) (Li et al. 2015a)

light intensity in “micromole per meter-square per sec- Regarding intervention, plant quantity must be specified
ond” is more appropriate than in lux. When indoor plants because the plants are the research focus. At least the plant
are used to trap particulate matter, which is related to its volume (m3) and growth medium should be described because
deposition on leaf surfaces, the illumination units are plants are three-dimensional objects and growth media help
nonessential. air purification. Leaf area (cm2) is ideal (e.g., Abbass et al.
 Environ Sci Pollut Res

2017; Aydogan and Montoya 2011; Godish and Guindon required, along with standardized experimental protocols, re-
1989; Hörmann et al. 2018; Jing et al. 2015; Kim et al. search measurement items, and units. Conducting laboratory
2008; Lu et al. 2008; Mosaddegh et al. 2014; Orwell et al. experiments is suggested to preliminarily investigate causal
2004, 2006; Panyametheekul et al. 2018; Raza et al. 1991, relationships. Field experiments can then confirm the results
1995; Ruan 2012; Sevik et al. 2017; Teiri et al. 2018; Wood obtained in the laboratory experiments (cf. Ulrich et al. 1990).
et al. 2002; Yang et al. 2009; Yoo et al. 2006; Yoon et al. Moreover, standardized experimental protocols should in-
2009). Reporting medium composition is useful (e.g., Irga clude plant growth conditions, plant quantity, research envi-
et al. 2013; Kim et al. 2008, 2009, 2011a, 2012, 2016; Lim ronments, ventilation, climate conditions, pollutant exposure
et al. 2009; Orwell et al. 2004, 2006; Torpy et al. 2014; Wood duration, sampling frequency and period, and number of rep-
et al. 2002, 2006; Xu et al. 2011). Moreover, the complete lications. Indoor plants have great potential to not only im-
scientific names of the plants should be provided. prove the air quality and comfort of indoor environments but
Study design, whether an experiment, field experiment, or also enhance people’s health and well-being as well as save
survey, should be clarified. Moreover, equipment used to con- energy, which warrant attention.
duct the study should be inventoried. In addition, the concen-
tration of gaseous pollutants should be reported in ppm be- Funding information This work was supported by the Ministry of
Science and Technology in Taiwan (MOST 107-2410-H-167-008-MY2).
cause most of the reviewed studies used this unit. Although
“parts per million” can be converted to mass volume and vice
versa, not all studies reported temperature and pressure data Compliance with ethical standards
required for conversion. Even when temperature and pressure
Disclaimer The sponsor did not participate in study design, data collec-
are reported, not all readers can convert the measurement tion, analysis and interpretation, writing of the report, or publication of the
units. Particulate pollutants should be measured in “milligram article.
per meter-cube.”
The volume of the environment studied, such as a class-
room, room, or chamber, should be reported (m3). Moreover,
ventilation type (continuous or batch flow) should be explic-
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