Evaluating the Capability of Epipremnum aureum and Its Associated Phylloplane Microbiome to Capture Indoor Particulate Matter Bound Lead

Abstract

In this study we evaluated over a 1-year period, the ability of Epipremnum aureum leaves to collect particulate matter (PM)-bound Pb from an indoor environment. Using Illumina MiSeq, we investigated the changes in the phylloplane microbiome connected with the accumulation of this pollutant. Plants were placed in a shooting room, where PM release from each shot was recorded, along with PM2.5 and PM10 sequestration and leaf element enrichment by ICP. Additionally, black carbon (BC) sequestration was determined, and SEM-EDX was performed on leaves after 12 months of exposure. Our results indicated that ambient air pollution shapes microbial leaf communities by affecting their diversity. At the order level, Pseudomonadales, along with Micrococcales, appeared (at a low relative abundance) after exposure to indoor PM-bound Pb air pollution. This study provides a unique comparison of Epipremnum aureum air filtration performance between a standard office environment and a firearm shooting range. The air filtration approach holds promise for reducing indoor air pollution, but more knowledge about the underlying mechanisms supporting genera capable of coping with airborne pollutants is still required.