There are two main types of biowalls: Active and passive. Active walls push air through the root zone of the plants and are more effective in purifying indoor air, however this can cause problems like incomplete plant coverage from the roots drying out. Active walls also use more energy and are expensive. Passive walls don't push air through the root zone, and because of this they have more dense plant coverage. However, these type of walls are more aesthetic than effective. BREATHE is focusing on what plants can host Hyphomicrobium communities best, and then testing these plants in a modified passive wall system. We will take root samples from existing biowalls in our area and test to find which host the most Hyphomicrobium. BREATHE will use the data collected from these plants to create a plant palette to implement in a biowall for optimal VOC removal. Using the biowall design from our industry partner, Furbish Co (http://furbishco.com/), BREATHE hopes to implement this plant palette in an actual biowall to test in one of the buildings on campus at the University of Maryland. Team BREATHE is in its first year of research. Check out our proposal for a more in depth look at our research: |