Projects for SDBE

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Impact of Plant Life on Formaldehyde Levels in an Existing Office Setting In the UAE
(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2015-04) AbuZayed, Isra Ibrahim
The toxin formaldehyde has been associated with muscle weakness, itchy eyes/ skin and is considered a carcinogen. Plant life has been long associated with cleaning air and improving IAQ levels. Therefore this study will look at the impacts of plant life (Corn Cane plant) on formaldehyde levels within an existing office set in the United Arab Emirates. 3 spaces within the office were selected and labeled as space A, space B and space C. The plants were included within these spaces, each with a different space/plant ratio. The results showed that the plants where able to reduce the most amount of formaldehyde levels when introduced at a highest plant/space ratio of 3.75m2/plant (Space B). When equated there was a total drop of 4% in formaldehyde levels within space B. The occupants of the space were also surveyed to determine the effect of the reduced formaldehyde levels on their perceived health and efficiency. It was concluded that although the survey results exhibited great improvement within the office, there was no direct relationship between their improvement and reduction of formaldehyde levels. Recommendations for future research: 1) Conduct the research in a more controlled environment for optimized results. 2) Increase to plant / space ratio in order to achieve greater results.