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Contents
Introduction
Working Principle of Biowalls
Functions of Biowalls
Effects of Biowall on Various Factors
Inspection and Maintenance
Advantages and Disadvantages
Conclusions
References
Introduction
Research has shown that an estimated 80% of an urbandwellers time is spent indoors, hence it is essential for
buildings to provide a high quality air supply in order to ensure
the physical well-being of occupants.
One of the major contaminants of indoor air is a class of
chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Examples: formaldehyde, benzene, toluene etc.,
Accumulation of VOCs in the air even in small amounts can
cause acute and chronic health problems.
Sources of indoor VOCs include; adhesives, textiles, Cleaning
agents, Paint, hair spray and perfuming agents etc.,
Classification of Biowalls
Based on application method:
Continuous system
Geotextile felts
Biowalls
Modular system
Continuous systems
Modular systems
Schematic of a Biowall
Plants on Biowall
Each wall has a different plant profile depending upon its
exposure and the local environmental conditions.
Some of the plants suitable for biowalls are
Dragon Plant
Rubber Plant
Spider plant
Philodendron
Functions of Biowalls
Biowalls are found most often in urban environment where
the plants reduce overall temperatures of the building.
Biowalls may also be a means for water reuse.
The living wall could also function for urban agriculture,
urban gardening, or for its beauty as art.
Following
in
the
current
trend
to
move
towards
PNC Bank
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
Typical wall temperature
fluctuation: 10-60C
Biowall temperature fluctuation:
5-30C
Energy
Theoretically, the use of a biowall as a method of cleaning
indoor air in conjunction with the standard HVAC system in
buildings can lead to potential energy savings.
Biowalls also consume some energy for the water pumps and
lighting, these combined requirements are small, totaling
approximately 0.005 KW per building occupant.
Airborne Diseases , Allergies and Insects
Biowall provides favourable conditions for insects and microbial
contaminants such as viruses, fungi, mold, bacteria etc., When
exposed to these contaminants, some people may suffer allergic
reactions or chills, fever, muscle ache, headache, cough, sore
throat and nausea. However with proper care and maintenance of
the biowall above problems can be reduced.
Disadvantages of Biowalls
Biowalls may be costly to implement, especially when
traditional air-filtration systems are also required.
Biowalls are ecosystems and, as such, may attract unwanted
insects and pests.
Roots penetrating into wall structures may be a hazard in
systems that are not planned properly.
Mold or damage to a biowall may be a problem in systems
that do not drain properly.
Greywater that is improperly handled poses a human health
hazard.
Conclusions
Biowalls is emerging as a promising technology for improving
the indoor air quality.
They have many physical and psychological benefits in
various indoor environments such as university buildings,
office setting, Home, Hospitals etc.
They can reduce the levels of specific VOCs which have been
identified as particularly harmful to humans (such as toluene,
ethyl benzene etc).
References
Maria
Manso,
Green
wall
systems:
A review
of
their
Thank you