Feasibility study of benzene and toluene removal from air by phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is one of the available techniques for removing the volatile organic compound from the air. Benzene and toluene are volatile organic compounds that exist in many occupational environments. Plants are able to reduce benzene and toluene in the air and the use of plants is a simple and consistent solution for the nature to reduce these compositions in the air and improve the air quality of work environments. The phytoremediation potential of Dannae racemosa and Hedera helix were evaluated for remediation of benzene and toluene in air.

Dannae racemosa and Hedera helix  were exposed to exposed benzene(250ppm) and toluene(250ppm) each time alone in a chamber and to examine the decrease amount of benzene and toluene during 6 days. Then plants were exposed to 250ppm and 250ppm of benzene three times with a rest day and the processes of reduction were investigated.

Dannae racemosa was able to remove all of benzene and toluene concentrations from the air after 6 days. Hedera helix was able to reduce all of benzene and toluene concentration from the air after 6 and 5 days, respectively. The differences in Benzene and toluene remediation were assessed between the first and the third subsequent exposure and the results showed that the reduction rate increased for Dannae racemosa.

It can be concluded that the Dannae racemosa and Hedera helix could be used for benzene and toluene phytoremediation.