How does nature regulate atmospheric composition?: Formaldehyde removal from air

Formaldehyde (HCHO), a common Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), generated from human activity and industry, is ubiquitous in the indoor and outdoor environments in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). VOCs react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) creating frequent ozone (O3) events which are hazardous to human and ecosystem health in the MCMA. Research into current indoor VOC removal technologies reveal that indoor/outdoor airflow is not easily mediated, besides, these technologies often lead to secondary, undesirable by-products. We employ the Biomimicry Thinking Methodology, and ask: “How would Nature solve this problem? Research finds that plants send VOCs into the soil where they are largely processed via the microbiome. The composition of the microbiome, the soil, sunlight, water and nutrient availability, wind, barometric pressure, temperature, pH, aeration, plant community, and the concentration and mix of VOCs affect the rate the soil either emits or sinks the compounds. We find research supporting the correlation between native plant-microbiome relationships and microbiome health. Discussion of context considerations specific to the MCMA informs a design concept addressing indoor and outdoor atmospheric HCHO removal. HCHO contributes to O3 events and can be processed via the microbiome using natural chemical pathways.

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