Let's clear the air: bacteria, biowalls, and airborne chemicals

What is it about?

Here we study bacterial communities on the roots of plants used in botanical filters, called biowalls. Air purification by biowalls and plants, in general, is argued to stem largely from plant associated bacteria. Through investigating root-associated bacteria, we identify species and strains that thrive under biowall growth and in response to common airborne chemicals. Strains of Hyphomicrobium bacteria are found to proliferate under both conditions, suggesting their potential as air purifiers.

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Why is it important?

Biowalls are promising means of indoor air purification and, hence, as alternative solutions to improved building "health". Our findings give insight into how biowalls may work, suggesting candidate air filtering bacteria for future study. They also suggest the potential importance of beneficial microbes in future studies of the "indoor microbiome".