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Indoor Air Quality Improvement Using Nature-Based Solutions: Design Proposals to Greener Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Teresa M. Mata

    (INEGI-Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, R. Dr. Roberto Frias 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Gisela M. Oliveira

    (UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, University Fernando Pessoa, Praça Nove de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal)

  • Helena Monteiro

    (Low Carbon & Resource Efficiency, R&Di, Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade, 4415-491 Grijó, Portugal)

  • Gabriela Ventura Silva

    (INEGI-Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, R. Dr. Roberto Frias 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    LAETA-Associated Laboratory for Energy and Aeronautics, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, S/N, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Nídia S. Caetano

    (LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, S/N, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    CIETI, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering (ISEP), Polytechnic of Porto (P.Porto), R. Dr. Antonio Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal)

  • António A. Martins

    (LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, S/N, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

Low indoor air quality is an increasingly important problem due to the spread of urbanization. Because people spend most of their time inside, poor indoor air quality causes serious human health issues, resulting in significant economic losses. In this work, the current state of affairs is presented and analyzed, focusing on the current problems and the available solutions to improve the quality of indoor air, and the use of nature-based solutions. These involve the cultivation of microalgae in closed photobioreactors. In these systems, photosynthetic organisms can capture CO 2 and other pollutants generated in indoor environments, which they use to grow and develop biomass. Several possible layouts for the implementation of microalgae-based indoor air cleaning systems are presented, taking into account the systems that are currently available at a commercial scale. A critical analysis of the microalgae indoor purification systems is presented, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and suggesting potential improvements and future lines of research and development in the area.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa M. Mata & Gisela M. Oliveira & Helena Monteiro & Gabriela Ventura Silva & Nídia S. Caetano & António A. Martins, 2021. "Indoor Air Quality Improvement Using Nature-Based Solutions: Design Proposals to Greener Cities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8472-:d:612236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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