Improving the IAQ for Learning Efficiency with Indoor Plants in University Classrooms in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of improving indoor air quality with indoor plants. As a methodology, two target classrooms with the same size (120.64 m2) and 32 students per room were selected. Then, 48 areca palm pots (average leaf area of 300 cm2/pot) were placed, and the plant density was 14.68% of the floor area. Subjective assessment for general questions, learning motivation, perceived air quality, and SBS symptoms was conducted at 5 min after the class started and 5 min before the class ended. The results showed that the CO2 concentration by respiration of the students (average of 1873 ppm) exceeded the regulatory standard (1000 ppm), but the students did not recognize the indoor CO2 concentration. The increase in CO2 concentration in the classroom was lower in the case with plant placement (624 ppm) compared with the case without plant placement (about 1205 ppm). It was statistically proven that the CO2 concentration by respiration could be reduced by 50% if the indoor plant leaf area density were maintained at about 14.68% of the floor area. In the case with plant placement, the students perceived the indoor air quality to be 40% fresher and showed a 140% higher acceptability. Moreover, the complaining of SBS symptoms was improved by 108%, and the students’ perception that it was better to focus on learning increased by about 120%. As the awareness of sustainability increases, indoor plants will be more actively placed in the United Arab Emirates. Indoor plants not only provide a visual green effect to improve human comfort but also purify indoor air pollutants.

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

“…The outdoor temperature was 23-24 ℃, so the indoor temperature was within comfort conditions as per mentioned by the (ISHARE). Few research studies mentioned data collection point one, readings were taken at the centre (Shree et al, 2019a;Shree et al, 2019b;Jung & Awad, 2021) or only two points depending upon occupancy and plant position (Kim et al, 2013;Han, 2019;2020) List of instruments used for experiments for different parameters mentioned the readings taken by moving the instrument around the room (Bhargava et al, 2021). Whereas the current study mentioned systematic arrangements of data collection points.…”

“…Hence plants not only clean air by the process of photosynthesis and phytoremediation but also can control temperature and relative humidity which can control the airborne pollutants (Aini Jasmin et al, 2012a). Some studies showed that after placing the plants indoors CO 2 levels were increased and got stabilized (Jung & Awad, 2021;H. Kim et al, 2016;Smith & Pitt, 2011) whereas few studies noted a continuous decreasing trend (Bhargava et al, 2021;Pamonpol et al, 2020;Pegas et al, 2012).…”

“…It was observed that the studies based on indoor plants and indoor environmental quality were from places like the Netherlands, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), etc. (Mangone et al, 2014;Han, 2020;Jung & Awad, 2021), with significantly different climatic contexts than India. These studies were conducted in a sealed environment where doors and windows were closed and air conditioning was on mode.…”

Evaluating the Indoor Air Quality after Renovation at the Greens in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

“…The Dubai Municipality regulates the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) with the stipulation of less than 0.08 ppm (parts per million) of formaldehyde (CH 2 O), less than 300 micrograms/m 3 of TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compound), and less than 150 micrograms/m 3 of TSP (Total Suspended Particles) (less than 10 microns) in 8 h of continuous monitoring prior to occupancy. In relation to this provision, there is a recommended standard for pollutants, but there is no compulsory regulation for non-conformity [68]. However, according to this new provision, the construction industry is desperately trying to reduce pollutants.…”

Evaluating the adsorption performance of functional building material with HCHO remover

“…Improving the indoor air environment in residential spaces is one of the most critical problems in Dubai (Al Qassimi and Jung, 2021). Factors affecting these indoor air environment problems include harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde (HCHO) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as Benzene (C 6 H 6 ), Toluene (C 7 H 8 ), Ethylbenzene (C 8 H 10 ), Xylene (C 8 H 10 ), and Styrene (C 8 H 8 ), emitted from building materials, furniture, home appliances, and indoor household items, airborne bacteria, fungus, and viruses Jung and Awad, 2021c). In addition, the causes are very diverse, such as problems with buildings and mechanical facilities, such as a decrease in the opening area due to the high-rise of a residential building, and a lack of ventilation due to high insulation and high airtightness for energy saving of buildings (Ai et al, 2015;Awad and Jung, 2021b).…”