DOI: 10.24019/issn.2532-0831

Online ISSN 2532-0831

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Vascular Research

Journal website: http://www.vasculab.eu/jtavr.xml

JTAVR 2026;11(1):249

"Plants in the Classroom": a citizen science experience to improve indoor air quality at the Gobetti-Volta Scientific High School in Bagno a Ripoli (Italy)

S Putzolu¹, AM Ciciani², T Giorgetti³, S Lombari³, E Pire³, M Ricci³, N Pucci², A Zaldei², B Gioli²

Abstract  The “Plants in the Classroom” project, conducted at the Gobetti-Volta Scientific High School in Bagno a Ripoli (Italy), originated from the need to scientifically investigate indoor air quality in school classrooms. With the support of the International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE-Sezione Firenze), the scientific coordination of the National Research Council – Institute of BioEconomy (CNR-IBE) in Florence, and the active involvement of students and teachers, three classes were equipped with plant species selected for their air-purifying properties. Indoor environmental parameters (CO2, PM2.5, relative humidity, and temperature) were continuously monitored using low-cost AirQino stations, previously applied and validated in other environmental contexts, enabling cost-effective measurements in real school settings. Measurements were compared with those collected in a fourth classroom without plants, which served as a control. While acknowledging limitations such as the limited number of plants, structural differences between classrooms, and variable ventilation conditions, the collected data offer a reliable snapshot of everyday classroom management. The results show how plants, through photosynthesis and transpiration, contributed to reducing CO2 and PM2.5 levels and increasing relative humidity. In addition to the environmental benefits, students reported improvements in concentration and perceived well-being. Overall, the project represents a replicable model of active learning and ecological awareness.