• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.62-68
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• 2018

This study investigated the effect of light intensity on the removal of particulate matter by Dieffenbachia amoena 'Marianne' and Spathiphyllum spp.. An acrylic chamber ($600{\times}800{\times}1200mm$, $L{\times}W{\times}H$) modeled as an indoor space and a green bio-filter ($495{\times}495{\times}1000mm$, $L{\times}W{\times}H$) as an air purification device were made of acrylic. The removal of particulate matter PM10 and PM1, the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and number of stomata of Dieffenbachia amoena 'Marianne' and Spathiphyllum spp. were measured according to three different levels of light intensity (0, 30 and $60{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}PPFD$). Regarding the length of time taken for PM10 to reach $1{\mu}g$, the Dieffenbachia amoena 'Marianne' showed a significant difference according to the presence or absence of light, and there was no significant difference shown between light intensity of 30 and $60{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}PPFD$. As for the Spathiphyllum spp., there was no significant difference between 0 and $30{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}PPFD$, while a significant difference was shown at $60{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}PPFD$. After 90 minutes, the PM1, PM10, and $CO_2$ residuals of the Spathiphyllum spp. were lowest at $60{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}PPFD$. The remaining amount of PM1 and PM10 was lower with the Spathiphyllum spp. than with the Dieffenbachia amoena 'Marianne', even at $0{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}PPFD$. With both plants, the higher the light intensity, the higher the photosynthetic rate, while the stomatal conductance did not show any significant difference. Spathiphyllum spp. showed a higher photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance and a greater number of stomata than Dieffenbachia amoena 'Marianne', and stomata were observed in both the front and back sides of the leaves. The air purification effect of Spathiphyllum spp. is considered to be better than Dieffenbachia amoena 'Marianne' at the same light intensity due to such plant characteristics. Therefore, in order to select effective indoor plants for the removal of particulate contamination in an indoor space, the characteristics of plants such as the photosynthetic rate and the number and arrangement of stomata according to indoor light intensity should be considered.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.203-209
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate photosynthetic responses of 4 foliage plants in relation to light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and media, and to select efficient plants for the indoor environment control based on the results. Four foliage plants used in this study included Syngonium podophyllum, Schefflera arboricola cv. Hong Kong, Dieffenbachia amoena, and Dracaena deremensis cv. Warneckii Compacta. The plants cultivated in two different growth media, peatmoss and hydroball, and subjected to various light intensities (0, 30, 50, 80, 100, 200, 400, and $600\;{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ PPFD) and $CO_2$ levels (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 700, 1000, and $1500\;{\mu}mol{CO_2}{\cdot}mol^{-1}$). As a result of the photosynthetic rate of foliage plants according to change of light intensity and $CO_2$ levels, Schefflera arboricola and Dieffenbachia amoena showed high apparent quantum yield, which stands for the photosynthetic rate under low light intensity, and both plants also recorded higher photosynthetic rate under high $CO_2$ concentration compared to the other two indoor plants. Dracaena deremensis showed the lowest photosynthetic rate under the low light intensity or high $CO_2$ concentration. There were inconsistent results in photosynthetic rate of foliage plants grown in peatmoss or hydroball. Higher photosynthetic rate was observed in Schefflera arboricola with peatmoss rather than hydroball as light and $CO_2$ concentration increased. However, hydroball had a positive effect on Dieffenbachia amoena in terms of photosynthetic rate. In case of Syngonium podophyllum, peatmoss induced higher photosynthetic rate according to increased light intensity, but there was no effect of media on the rate under various $CO_2$ treatements. In contrast, media did not affect to photosynthetic efficiency of Dracaena deremensis subjected to various light intensities and the rate of Dracaena deremensis with peatmoss was a little high when $CO_2$ concentration increased. In conclusion, potential plants for the indoor air pulification and environmental control were Schefflera arboricola and Dieffenbachia amoena because they showed high photosynthetic rate under typical indoor conditions, low light intensity and high $CO_2$ concentration.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.476-483
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• 2010

Total bacterial populations were cultured from the Hydroball cultivation media in the rhizospheres of 9 different plants including $Hedera$ $helix$ L. and $Dracaena$ $deremensis$ cv. Warneckii Compacta, etc. These cultured bacterial populations were studied to test if the bacterial populations in the plant growing pots may play a role on removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene in the air. To meet this objective, first, we tested the possibility of removal of VOCs by the cultured total bacteria alone. The residual rates of benzene by the inoculation of total bacterial populations from the different plant growth media were significantly different, ranging from 0.741-1.000 of $Spathiphyllum$ $wallisii$ 'Regal', $Pachira$ $aquatica$, $Ficus$ $elastica$, $Dieffenbachia$ sp. 'Marrianne' Hort., $Chamaedorea$ $elegans$, compared to the control with residual rate of 0.596 (LSD, $P$=0.05). This trend was also similar with toluene, depending on different plants. Based on these results, we inoculated the bacterial population cultured from $P.$ $aquatica$ into the plant-growing pots of $P.$ $aquatica$, $F.$ $elastica$, and $S.$ $podophyllum$ inside the chamber followed by the VOCs injection. The inoculated bacteria had significant effect on the removal of benzene and toluene, compared to the removal efficacy by the plants without inoculation, indicating that microbes in the rhizosphere could play a significant role on the removal of VOCs along with plants.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.637-646
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• 2020

Background and objective: The main objective of this study is to measure the amount of particulate matter (PM) reduction under different characteristics of leaves in 18 different species of indoor plants. Methods: First, a particular amount of PM was added to the glass chambers (0.9×0.86×1.3 m) containing the indoor plant (height = 40 ± 20 cm), and the PM concentration were measured at 2-hour intervals. The experiment with the same conditions was conducted in the empty chamber as the control plot. Results: The range of PM reduction per unit leaf area of 18 species of experimental plants was 3.3-286.2 ㎍·m^-2 leaf, total leaf area was 1,123-4,270 cm², and leaf thickness was 0.14-0.80 mm and leaf size 2.27-234.47 cm². As time passed, the concentration of PM decreased more in the chamber with plants than in the empty chamber. Among the 18 indoor plants, the ones with the greatest reduction in PM2.5 in 2 hours and 4 hours of exposure to PM2.5 were Pachira aquatica and Dieffenbachia amoena. As the exposure time of PM increased, the efficiency of reducing PM2.5 was higher in plants with medium-sized leaves than plants with large or small leaves. The effect of reducing PM2.5 was higher in linear leaves than round or lobed leaves. Plants with high total leaf area did not have advantage in reducing PM because the leaves were relatively small and there were many overlapping parts between leaves. In the correlation between leaf characteristics and PM 2.5 reductions, all leaf area and leaf thickness showed a negative and leaf size showed a positive correlation with PM reduction. Conclusion: The PM reduction effect of plants with medium-sized leaves and long linear leaves was relatively high. Moreover, plants with a large total leaf area without overlapping leaves will have advantaged in reducing PM. Plants are effective in reducing PM, and leaf characteristics are an important factor that affects PM reduction.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2000

This study was conducted to investigate the changes of electric potentials of leaf surface induced by environmental stimuli in plant. The values of electric potentials varied with different intervals of light on and off, and light qualities and moreover, their changes were also varied according to the time of a day. Additionally, stimuli such as candle light, wind, or 5$^{\circ}C$ cool water spray also evoked considerable changes in leaf surface electric potentials and their signal patterns varied with species of plants tested. In frequency analysis of electric potentials, the distribution values by FFT were highest in 1-10 Hz frequency zone by the majority of stimuli. These results suggested that changes in leaf surface electric potentials depended upon plant species even though stimulus was the same and vice versa.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.931-938
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• 2012

The effects were investigated of different lengths and numbers of slitwalls in drainless containers on growth and change in soil moisture volumes on the growth of Diffenbachia amoena 'Marianne' and Begonia rex. Drainless containers filled with amended soil, with square shape ($240mm{\times}240mm$) were used, as well as three different sets of slitwalls (2, 4 or 8, respectively) in addition to non-slitwall containers. Two indoor foliage plants were grown in slitwall containers in randomized blocks with 3 replications in greenhouse conditions, from March to September, 2009. Soil moisture volumes per container were measured by weighing containers every 2 hours during the day. The change in soil moisture volumes showed considerable differences among slitwalls tested in comparison to control containers before and after twice-weekly irrigation. Particularly, the differences in the S2 (195mm, slitwall 2) containers were significantly greater than other containers tested. For Diffenbachia amoena 'Marianne', plant height, length of leaf, dry weight and fresh weight were higher with S2 containers than with those grown in other containers tested. The Begonia rex with the best quality in terms of plant height, length of leaf and width of leaf was grown in S8 (360mm, slitwall 8) containers. Particularly, statistical analysis has indicated that shoot fresh weights of Begonia rex grown in S8 were 3-fold higher than those grown in CS8 containers. The different results obtained within the two species led us to hypothesize a species-specific influence on indoor foliage plant performance. However, plants of both species grown in slitwall containers showed good results compared with plants grown in non-slitwall containers.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1499-1508
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• 2013

In the results of investigating the role of LED light quality in enhancing the ornamental value of indoor foliage plants, amber and red light increased plant height, leaf width, and leaf stalk, and the consequent tree shape decreased the ornamental value. The chlorophyll content increased significantly under white light and compound light. With regard to the effect of plant leaf color on ornamental value, the value of lightness was markedly enhanced by red light. As to the functionality of plants according to photosynthetic activity, plants such as Dieffenbachia, Clusia, and Dracaena were found favorable to those staying indoors for a longtime from morning to evening. Spathiphyllum, and Ficus were found to be recommendable for indoor spaces used actively during afternoon because their photosynthesis was activated in the afternoon. With regard to power consumption according to light quality, white light consumed 119 W/hour, around 45% lower than that of fluorescent lamps, so it is considered the optimal artificial light quality that can enhance energy efficiency. Red light consumed 72 W/hour, only 33% of that of fluorescent lamps, but it was not considered the optimal light quality because plant growth was poor under the light quality. White light and compound light were found to be the ideal light sources for improving the functionality and ornamental value of indoor plants and reducing the cost of maintenance, but because compound light hinders people from recognizing the original color of plants and makes their eyes easily tired, white light was considered the optimal light satisfying all of the ornamental value, economic efficiency and functionality resulting from plant growth.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.179-189
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• 2020

In order to increase the indoor air purification effect of plants, plants need to be placed on 5-10% of indoor spaces. To increase the density and utilization of plants in indoor spaces, studies on bio-wall, a vertical green wall system, have been recently conducted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth characteristics of 7 indoor plants introduced to the system and their rooting zones at different irrigation cycles. This study was conducted to investigate a proper irrigation cycle for the continuous maintenance of bio-wall systems. The conditions of their growth environment were maintained as follows: light intensity, 20-50 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 PPFD; and temperature, 20 - 25℃. For fertilization, Hyponex diluted with water at the ratio of 1:1,000 was supplied to plants. Irrigation was treated at intervals of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days for 1 hour at a time. As a result, there was no significant difference in the growth of plants between different irrigation cycles. Dieffenbachia 'Marianne' showed a significant decrease in the number of leaves at the irrigation cycle of 7 days. In addition, the chlorophyll content was relatively low at the irrigation cycle of 7 days. In terms of the color of leaves, a decrease in L value and b value and an increase in a value were observed, resulting in changes in brightness and color. Ardisia pusilla 'Variegata' showed a slightly higher photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductance when it was watered every day and once per 5 days, while Epipremnum aureum showed a relatively higher photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductance at the irrigation cycle of 3 days. In the case of root activity, it was found that the longer irrigation cycle, the higher root activity compared to daily irrigation. The development of roots of Peperomia clusiifolia was promoted by watering at long intervals. However, in the case of Aglaonema 'Siam-Aurora', the total number of roots decreased at the interval of 7 days. In conclusion, a proper irrigation cycle for the sustainable maintenance of vertical bio-wall systems seems to be 3 days.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.928-936
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• 2010

This study was conducted to select efficient foliage plants for improving indoor environment conditions through the investigation of physiological responses including photosynthetic rate according to temperature, light intensity, and $CO_2$ level. Eight popular foliage plants used in this study were $Hedera$ $helix$ L., $Cissus$ $rhombifolia$ Vahl, $Ficus$ $benjamina$ L. 'Hawaii', $Syngonium$ $podophyllum$ Schott 'Albo-Virens', $Dieffenbachia$ $sp.$ 'Marrianne', $Pachira$ $aquatica$ Aubl., $Spathiphyllum$ $wallisii$ Regel, and $Scindapsus$ $aureus$ Engler. Photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of the plants subjected to various light intensities (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 300, and $600{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ PPFD), $CO_2$ levels (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 700, and $1,000{\mu}molCO_2{\cdot}mol^{-1}$), and two different temperatures (16 and $22^{\circ}C$) were measured. In addition, various parameters in relation to photosynthesis were calculated from the measured data. As a result, the patterns of photosynthesis varied among 8 foliage plants according to light intensity, $CO_2$ level, and temperature. Most foliage plants except $Dieffenbachia$ had high levels of apparent quantum yield, which represents the photosynthetic rate under low light intensity (PPFD $0-100{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$). $Hedera$ $helix$, $Ficus$ $benjamina$, $Pachira$ $aquatica$, and $Spathiphyllum$ $wallisii$ exposed to high light intensity (PPFD $200-600{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$) showed high levels of photosynthesis. $Cissus$ $rhombifolia$ and $Syngonium$ $podophyllum$ were low in $CO_2$ fixation efficiency compared to the other 6 foliage indoor plants. $Hedera$ $helix$ and $Spathiphyllum$ $wallisii$ showed high photosynthetic rate under high $CO_2$ level and vigorous photosynthesis was also observed in $Ficus$ $benjamina$ and $Pachira$ $aquatica$ grown under $22^{\circ}C$. Considering characteristics of indoor environment such as low light, high $CO_2$ level, and low relative humidity, therefore, $Hedera$ $helix$, $Spathiphyllum$ $wallisii$, $Ficus$ $benjamina$, and $Pachira$ $aquatica$ were efficient indoor foliage plants to improve indoor environmental conditions.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.633-640
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• 2012

White light and compound light were found to be the ideal light sources for improving the functionality and ornamental value of indoor plants and reducing the cost of maintenance, but because compound light hinders people from recognizing the original color of plants and makes their eyes easily tired, white light was considered the optimal light satisfying all of the ornamental value, economic efficiency and functionality resulting from plant growth. On the other hand, in the results of examining physiological changes before and after treatment on fine dust PM10 and carbon dioxide removal capacity in a closed chamber under an artificial light source, the patterns of carbon dioxide and fine dust removal were similar among the treatment groups according to light condition, but according to plant type, the removal rate per unit leaf area was highest in $Spathiphyllum$ and lowest in $Dieffenbachia$. In the experiment on dust and carbon dioxide removal, the photosynthetic rate was over 2 times higher after the treatment, and the rate increased particularly markedly under compound light and white light, suggesting that the photosynthetic rate of plants increases differently according to light quality. These results show that light quality has a significant effect on the photosynthetic rate of plants, and suggests that plants with a high photosynthetic rate also have a high carbon dioxide and dust removal capacity. In conclusion, the photosynthetic rate of foliage plants increased under white and blue light that affect photosynthesis and the increased photosynthetic rate reduced carbon dioxide and fine dust, and therefore white and compound light were found to be the optimal light sources most functional and economically efficient in improving ornamental value and indoor air quality.