Comparison of Phytoremediation Potential of Pothos and Sansevieria under Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution is one of the most important environmental subjects in the world with serious side effects on human health. We report the result of a three replications and factorial design experiment that assesses the effect of plants (Epipremnum aureum and Dracaena trifasciata) on the removal of indoor air pollution. To gain the objects, potted plants were placed individually in 125 liters airtight glass containers (chamber) which had a small valve to inject and sucking airs. Each plant was exposure to, benzene 25 and 50 μl/l, acetone 25 and 50 μl/l, ethanol 50 μl/l and methanol 50 μl/l during a day (24 hours). According to the biochemical examination electrolyte leakage (%) of pothos was decreased especially in acetone 25 μl/l versus on treated sansevieria increased. Total chlorophyll content of sansevieria in all treatments was increased, while it was decreased when pothos exposure to benzene 25, benzene 50 μl/l and methanol 50 μl/l. Catalase activity and superoxide dismutase showed converse results. In both plant species catalase activity was decreased especially in acetone 50, however superoxide dismutase activity was increased in all treatments and in sansevieria exposure to benzene 50 μl/l more than others. There was no significant change in proline content of pothos, although there was significant increase in acetone 50 μl/l and ethanol 50 μl/l of sansevieria. The results indicate when plants exposure to the benzene, tissue cells damaged more than other treatments while, acetone had least amount of tissue cell damage. According to this paper results, both plant species have the potential of indoor air pollution phytoremediation but, pothos had higher adaptability in pollutant indoor area.