The Sansevieria trifasciata plant, commonly known as a popular indoor plant, has been known for its ability to remove toluene, a harmful indoor pollutant. This study focused on the plant's soil and internal bacterial communities that contribute to toluene degradation. The researchers selected the most active bacterial isolates from the soil and plant's internal parts and identified two highly effective ones: Priestia aryabhattai TE2 and Metabacillus halosaccharovorans 3S1. After 28 days of exposure to toluene, these bacteria reduced the toluene levels by 17.34% and 40.53%, respectively. Moreover, the survival rates of these bacteria remained high during the process. Metabacillus halosaccharovorans 3S1 showed strong growth while effectively degrading toluene. This research highlights how certain bacteria associated with Sansevieria trifasciata can help improve indoor air quality by reducing toluene levels.

Y. H. Kavindi Isurika Sandamali Gunasinghe, I. Vayanga Nishani Rathnayake, Mahendra Priyantha Deeyamulla

International Journal of Environmental Research-Springer

Abstract:- https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-023-00538-6