Effectiveness Of Green Plants in Controlling Indoor Air Quality: A Controlled Comparative Study

Green plants are known to improve indoor air quality by filtering harmful pollutants. This study evaluates the effectiveness of green plants in enhancing indoor environments, particularly in educational settings. The methodology includes air quality monitoring and student feedback through questionnaires. Two spaces were observed over four weeks: Space A (with plants) and Space B (without plants). Six parameters were measured: PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), temperature, and humidity. Most air quality indicators were within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, except for temperature and humidity. The temperature in both spaces reached 29°C, exceeding the OSHA limit of 23–26°C. Humidity rose to 75%, surpassing the 40–70% recommended range. Although statistical analysis using an independent t-test in SPSS showed no significant difference between the two spaces, consistent trends in Space A suggested slight improvements in TVOCs (reduced by 4.2%), CO₂ (reduced by 3.7%), and particulate matter levels (PM2.5 reduced by 2.8%). Temperature and humidity readings in Space A were also marginally more stable. Furthermore, student questionnaires revealed that 66% of respondents in Space A reported satisfaction or high satisfaction with indoor air quality, compared to only 21.4% in Space B, reflecting a 44.6% difference in perceived comfort and air quality. These results suggest that while a single plant may not significantly alter measurable air quality, the presence of greenery can contribute to environmental stability and comfort. This study highlights the subtle but positive impact of indoor plants, supporting their use in biophilic design strategies and emphasizing their potential as a sustainable solution for healthier indoor spaces.