Particulate matter accumulation on horizontal surfaces in interiors: Influence of foliage plants

Abstract Particulate matter accumulation on horizontal surfaces was measured gravimetrically, at one week intervals, in two interior spaces. Interior plants were added to or removed from the rooms on a random schedule. Particulate matter accumulation was lower in both rooms when plants were present than when plants were absent. The location of particulate matter deposition was unaffected by the presence or absence of plants: collection dishes located near the corners of a room consistently accumulated less particulate matter than dishes in other locations, regardless of treatment. In addition, relative humidity was higher when plants were present.