Portsmouth High School's Hydroponic Wall Purifies Indoor Air

Students add wrapped plants to the Florafelt Pockets living wall.

Portsmouth, RI - Portsmouth High School (PHS) students recently unveiled their innovative hydroponic wall, a lush green solution to the problem of poor indoor air quality in schools.

Air quality in indoor spaces can significantly impact student health and academic performance. Alarmingly, 50% of schools report inadequate air quality, leading to increased absenteeism and respiratory issues.

Determined to address this issue, PHS students Madison Sylvia, Marley Hecht, and Emma Noble, guided by teachers Mr. Arsenault, embarked on a mission to construct a hydroponic wall.

Hydroponics involves cultivating plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. The PHS wall features air-purifying plants like ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants, strategically placed in Florafelt Pocket Panels made from breathable recycled water bottle PET plastic felt materials.

Living wall frame design.

Spider plant roots made bare before planting in Florafelt Pockets.

A large box wooden frame is constructed for the installation.

Despite challenges, the team persevered, ingeniously designing a water system that pumps water up the wall, ensuring optimal plant growth and efficient air purification.

The hydroponic wall not only adds aesthetic appeal to the school but also significantly improves air quality. Students and staff report noticeable improvements in the school's atmosphere.

Air purification living wall for Portsmouth High School created to learn about living walls.

Students test irrigation tubing systems.

Water reservoir and pump used to recirculate water to the top of the wall.

The students plan to expand the wall and introduce more plants to create a greener, healthier school environment. Their efforts serve as an inspiring example of student ingenuity and their commitment to creating a more sustainable and healthy learning space.