Efficiency of dracaena deremensis and hederahelix plants in elimination of benzene from air using SPME-GC-FID

Benzene، as a carcinogen، is a volatile substance emitted in many workplaces including large plants، small factories، laboratories، hospitals، offices، and even homes. To assess the ability of Dracaena deremensis and Hedera helix plants for removing benzene، this study was conducted. In a laboratory trial study،6 two-year old plants were exposed to 46 microliter of benzene in a sealed chamber. The concentration of benzene was measured using solid phase micro extracion (SPME) method and GC -FID. The concentration of benzene decreased to 12، 34، 50، 91and 97% by Hedera helix plant after 24،48،72،96 and 120 hr، respectively. Also the concentration of benzene decreased to 18، 37، 94، 98 and 100% in 24،48،72،96 and 120 hr، respectively. The ability of Dracaena deremensis for removing benzene was higher than Hedera helix in the same conditions. For soil our results show that the concentration of benzene decreased to 2، 21، 42، 55 and 71%. The present study indicates that Dracaena deremensis and Hedera helix are useful plants for removing benzene and improving indoor air quality in the small workplaces، laboratories and even houses.