The Removal of Carbon Monoxide by Botanical Systems

Carbon monoxide is a major indoor contaminant responsible for over 1000 deaths a year in North America. Sealed environments such as buildings are particularly at risk for this contaminant. Studies in the 1970's and 80's determined that green plants are capable of fixing carbon monoxide through both the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis. Common bacteria oxidize carbon monoxide, utilizing the enzyme carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. Therefore, controlling carbon monoxide levels through botanical and microbial systems may have merit. Preliminary studies have indicated that moss based systems remove significant amounts of the contaminant from a recirculating air stream.