Delhi University's Miranda House Pioneers Plant-Based Air Purification System
In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers at Delhi University's Miranda House are developing a plant-based air purification prototype that could offer a natural, low-cost alternative to expensive electronic air purifiers. Inspired by the NASA Clean Air Study, this project aims to harness the natural pollutant-absorbing abilities of common indoor plants to improve air quality in various indoor spaces.
Building on NASA's Foundation
The NASA Clean Air Study demonstrated that certain indoor plants—including snake plants, areca palms, money plants, and spider plants—can effectively absorb harmful pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide in controlled laboratory environments. The Miranda House team is now taking this research into real-world settings through their project titled Mirakle, led by principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda.
"We are trying to continue from where NASA left off," explained Professor Malti Sharma, a key member of the project. "NASA theorized that plants can absorb pollutants; we are experimenting with that in real-world conditions to build a workable, practical solution."
Developing Environment-Specific Plant Clusters
Led by the college's chemistry and botany departments, the project focuses on creating an applied model specifically suited to Indian conditions. The core concept involves developing "plant clusters"—carefully selected groups of indoor plants that target different pollutants based on the specific characteristics of each space.
"The prototype we are creating will be tailored to specific environments," said project coordinator Professor Mallika Pathak. "Some areas have higher pollution than others due to surrounding conditions—for instance, places near factories. Based on that, we will build combinations of plants that can be used for different kinds of rooms, sizes, and indoor conditions."
Comprehensive Research Parameters
The research team is working with approximately 18 different parameters to optimize their plant-based purification system:
- Room size and dimensions
- Footfall and occupancy patterns
- Geographic location and surrounding environment
- Types of pollutants typically present
- Specific indoor conditions and usage patterns
"For example, a large room with high footfall or one located near laboratories may require a different set of plants compared to a smaller, less crowded space," Professor Sharma elaborated, highlighting the customized approach of their research.
Current Research and Future Applications
The project is currently in its initial stages, with various plant combinations being tested across different spaces within Miranda House. The research team plans to monitor air quality using dedicated devices at regular intervals, including during peak occupancy periods, to accurately assess the plants' effectiveness in reducing pollution levels.
Six undergraduate students from the chemistry and botany departments are actively involved in the project, assisting senior researchers with:
- Identifying suitable plant varieties
- Mapping environmental conditions
- Recording and analyzing data
- Testing different plant combinations
Beyond the research phase, the college is exploring possibilities for scaling the model. If successful, this plant-based purification system could be adapted for:
- Residential houses and apartments
- Educational institutions and schools
- Office spaces and commercial buildings
The college plans to share their findings through inter-college exhibitions and collaborations, promoting this as a cost-effective alternative to conventional air purifiers. Miranda House also intends to eventually replace existing air purifiers on campus with these plant-based systems, combining air purification with campus beautification efforts.
"The idea is to create something practical and affordable that can be used in everyday indoor environments," Professor Sharma emphasized, highlighting the project's potential to make clean air accessible to more people through natural, sustainable means.
