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An Interim Report
B. C. Wolverton, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
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I Willard L. Douglas, Ph.D.
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BACKGROUND:
chosen for this study was determined by joint agreement between the
specific for different chemicals and a hand held pump to draw air
sample. Table 1 lists the plants and chemicals not included in the
Miracle-Grow fertilizer.
All studies are being performed using the plexiglass chambers from
previous experiments. For the benzene/TCE study currently
ionization detector.
During past studies, the only controls used were chambers free of
plants to test for loss of chemicals from leakage, and pots with
potting soil without plants. It was then assumed that the removal
experiments. Mature plants with full foliage were tested for one
5
which all of the foliage had been cut away, leaving only short
Another major Change made for this study was the analysis of plants
that the plant leaves were not solely responsible for removal of
from which all of the foliage had been cut away, leaving only short
stalks 1 to 2 inches in length protruding above the level of the
potting soil. Plants were also tested with the potting soil
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-2. The chambers were sealed and a mixture of benzene/TCE
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maintained in them to remove any remaining organics prior
to resealing.
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Initial and final sampling was performed as des%ribed
above.
two individuals of the same species were tested and the foliage
several trials, the two plants were tested for two or three days
with full foliage, following testing for a similar period with the
potting soil covered with pea gravel. Tests were then conducted
RESULTS:
It can be seen from Table 1 and earlier reports that for virtually
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significant. The most interesting observation from data shown in
Table 2 is that the mean removal of benzene by the defoliated
used in Figure 1 had a motor fan rating of 15 cfm free air flow.
DISCUSSION:
indoor air. The work reported herein confirms that plant systems,
and not the potting soil itself, are responsible for removing most
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broad new avenue that will be investigated and discussed in depth
systems.
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FIGURE 1. REMOVAL OF LOW CONCENTRATIONS
OF BENZENE AND TRICHLOROETHYLENE FROM
THE AIR INSIDE SEALED EXPERIMENTAL
CHAMBERS USING GOLDEN POTHOS IN AN
8-IN. ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER SYSTEM.
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FIGURE 2. REMOVAL OF HIGH CONCENTRATIONS
OF BENZENE AND TRICHLOROETHYLENE FROM
THE AIR INSIDE SEALED EXPERIMENTAL
CHAMBERS USING GOLDEN POTHOS IN AN
8-IN. ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER SYSTEM.
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TIME (hr)