In the quest to create healthier indoor environments, the humble potted plant has often been hailed as a simple solution. But according to new research, the impact of indoor plants on office dust fungal communities might be less significant than previously thought. This study, led by Abigail Leslie from the Biochemistry department at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, USA, sheds light on the complex interplay between indoor plants and the microorganisms that share our workspaces.
The study, published in the journal Indoor Environments, which translates to Indoor Environments, challenges the notion that adding more greenery to offices can substantially alter the indoor microbiome. The researchers conducted a longitudinal study in single-occupancy offices, some with plants and some without, to understand how indoor plants might influence the fungal communities present in settled dust.
Leslie and her team hypothesized that fungi from the plants’ soil would be detectable in the dust samples and that rooms with plants would exhibit greater fungal diversity. However, their findings revealed a different story. “We found that the fungal community composition and total abundance were consistent over time and across the offices we measured,” Leslie explained. “This suggests a strong building-specific effect, rather than an influence from the plants.”
The study also found that factors like relative humidity and dew point had a statistically significant correlation with the fungal community composition, but the presence of plants did not affect the alpha or beta diversity, nor the network structure, of the office’s fungal community. This means that typical numbers of office houseplants are unlikely to modify indoor air quality by changing the indoor fungal community.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector and the built environment? As living architecture and biophilic design gain traction, understanding the true impact of indoor plants on air quality is crucial. While plants may not significantly alter fungal communities, they could still contribute to overall indoor air quality in other ways, such as through photosynthesis and the removal of certain pollutants. However, this study underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of indoor microbiomes and the factors that influence them.
Future research, as suggested by Leslie, should involve more plants to evaluate whether the trends observed in this study persist with increased plant material. Additionally, studies could explore the impact of different plant species, soil types, and watering practices on indoor fungal communities.
As we strive to create healthier indoor environments, it’s clear that the relationship between indoor plants and the microbiome is more complex than initially thought. This research serves as a reminder that while plants can enhance the aesthetics and ambiance of a space, their impact on indoor air quality may not be as straightforward as once believed. As the field of indoor environmental quality continues to evolve, studies like this one will be instrumental in shaping future developments and best practices.
