The Role of Dypsis lutescens (Areca Palm) In Enhancing Indoor Air Quality: A Comparative Study with Mechanical Air Purifiers

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Gia Azriel Tadeo Villaroman, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Jaylenne Ann Martin Balictar, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Lucio Raphael Esquejo Binalla, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Xean Kryztoff Tarranza Emoricha, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Danton Pajarillaga II, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Poster Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Rempillo, Ofelia

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center (JGIC)

Abstract/Executive Summary

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical factor influencing human health, comfort, and productivity, particularly in enclosed environments where pollutants can accumulate. In recent years, awareness of the importance of maintaining clean indoor air increased. This study explores the potential of Dypsis lutescens (Areca palm) as a low-cost, sustainable alternative for improving IAQ, compared with a mechanical air purifier. A one-week baseline measurement phase was conducted without plants and purifiers to assess the effect of plant introduction, followed by a three-week intervention phase: Room A contained plants introduced in increments of two. Simultaneously, Room B used a constantly active mechanical air purifier. A T-test was conducted to compare Room A versus Room B overall, and an ANOVA comparison was conducted to observe data weekly in both rooms individually. Data showed that Room B exhibited higher and more fluctuating CO₂ and TVOC levels, cooler temperature, and similar humidity to Room A. T-test results conclude temperature and CO₂ differences were significant (p < 0.001), whereas humidity (p = 0.445) and TVOC (p = 0.185) showed no significance. ANOVA showed Room B exhibited cooler but fluctuating CO₂ and TVOC levels, while Room A maintained lower CO₂ concentrations. These findings suggest that while the mechanical air purifier may influence thermal conditions, it did not reduce CO₂ levels compared to the plant setup. Conversely, the presence of Dypsis lutescens in Room A contributed to more stable air quality conditions in lowering CO₂ concentrations, highlighting its potential as a complementary strategy for indoor air quality management.

Keywords

Indoor air-quality; Plant’s Health Benefits; Low-Cost Environmental Solutions; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs); Native Philippine Plant

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes