Integrating IoT for Plant-Based Indoor Air Purification

Poor indoor air quality poses a significant challenge due to the rising levels of CO2 in air-conditioned environments, such as offices, apartments, banks, schools, etc. As the number of occupants increases, so does the concentration of CO2, and levels beyond 1000 ppm are considered unhealthy for indoor living. Though there are mechanical approaches to mitigate that, they are highly energy-consuming. Recognizing the need for a more sustainable solution, this study focuses on applying the capacity of plants to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. The net performance of plant leaf area in carbon dioxide assimilation was measured and compared. This prompted a thorough exploration into the capacity of NASA-recommended indoor plants, which had undergone minimal experimentation in tropical climates. Simultaneously, an assessment was made on the efficacy of native herb plants in curbing indoor air pollution. Among these categories, the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum blandum) and Thippili (Piper longum) plants emerged as the top performers resulting in 103 ppm of CO2 absorption per leaf area per hour (ppm/m2/hour) and 136 ppm/m2 /hour, respectively, under 4000 lx level. Using these selected plants, a hybrid air purification unit was developed, by incorporating vertical gardening system with modern technology. In this innovative approach, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is employed to monitor the CO2 levels inside the building. When the concentration surpasses the desired threshold, the unit, equipped with sensors, detects the imbalance and automatically provides the necessary conditions for plants to enhance photosynthesis. The key principle is to create an automated system that regulates indoor air quality by utilizing the CO2 absorption capabilities of plants. The unit responds dynamically by providing essential resources for optimal plant performance, such as artificial lighting, maintaining the right fertilizer levels, and ensuring other environmental conditions conducive to efficient photosynthesis. By integrating IoT technology and leveraging the natural processes of plants, this study aims to bridge the gap in current air purification methods, offering a more energy-efficient and sustainable solution for maintaining healthy indoor environments. Not only does this system offer energy efficiency, but also provides therapeutic effects and establishes a connection with nature, which are priceless advantages of the proposed approach.