Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Sophia Piro Maura Barrada Sophia Elwood, Freshman Katie Lopez Wendi Goffer
Lead Presenter's Name
Sophia Elwood
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Taylor Mitchell
Abstract
Creating habitable indoor environments for long-duration space missions and extraterrestrial habitats requires reliable, sustainable air quality improvement. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s ACE Lab provides a unique opportunity to investigate plant-based purification in a controlled environment while addressing campus air quality concerns linked to a high-traffic airport and exposure to jet fuel particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This collaborative project between Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering researchers and the Botanical Society evaluates whether a green wall can improve indoor air quality as a scalable model for future closed-loop habitats. In the study's first phase, student researchers documented ACE Lab dimensions to isolate the green wall section and determine the volume where plants must contribute to measurable improvement. Air quality is monitored using the PCE-RCM 15, a 7-in-1 detector measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, formaldehyde (HCHO), temperature, and humidity. Measurements are collected three times daily to capture overnight plant contribution, midday occupant interaction, and end-of-day combined effects from plants, human activity, and outdoor air intrusion. A total of 30 acclimated plants, including Dracaena trifasciata (Snake Plant), Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ and ‘Golden’ (Pothos), and Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant), were introduced based on air-purifying traits. These plants are effective due to large leaf surface areas, high stomatal density, and extensive root-microbe systems that enhance VOC breakdown. NASA studies show that leaf physiology and active rhizosphere microbial activity allow these plants to remove pollutants efficiently in controlled environments. Preliminary work focuses on comparing pre- and post-plant introduction data. Following validation, researchers aim to construct a CAD-designed green wall using plastic or thermoplastics. This project aims to develop a low-cost, scalable bio-integrated filtration approach for campus sustainability and future aerospace habitation systems.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Environmental Studies Commons
Greenwall Use for Air Repair and Depollution (G.U.A.R.D.)
Creating habitable indoor environments for long-duration space missions and extraterrestrial habitats requires reliable, sustainable air quality improvement. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s ACE Lab provides a unique opportunity to investigate plant-based purification in a controlled environment while addressing campus air quality concerns linked to a high-traffic airport and exposure to jet fuel particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This collaborative project between Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering researchers and the Botanical Society evaluates whether a green wall can improve indoor air quality as a scalable model for future closed-loop habitats. In the study's first phase, student researchers documented ACE Lab dimensions to isolate the green wall section and determine the volume where plants must contribute to measurable improvement. Air quality is monitored using the PCE-RCM 15, a 7-in-1 detector measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, formaldehyde (HCHO), temperature, and humidity. Measurements are collected three times daily to capture overnight plant contribution, midday occupant interaction, and end-of-day combined effects from plants, human activity, and outdoor air intrusion. A total of 30 acclimated plants, including Dracaena trifasciata (Snake Plant), Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ and ‘Golden’ (Pothos), and Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant), were introduced based on air-purifying traits. These plants are effective due to large leaf surface areas, high stomatal density, and extensive root-microbe systems that enhance VOC breakdown. NASA studies show that leaf physiology and active rhizosphere microbial activity allow these plants to remove pollutants efficiently in controlled environments. Preliminary work focuses on comparing pre- and post-plant introduction data. Following validation, researchers aim to construct a CAD-designed green wall using plastic or thermoplastics. This project aims to develop a low-cost, scalable bio-integrated filtration approach for campus sustainability and future aerospace habitation systems.