Abstract. Begonia maculata, Ardisia crenata, and Ardisia japonica plants exposed to 3.5 ppm toluene in air for 12 h displayed a pronounced stimulation (358%, 318%, and 252%, respectively) in subsequent toluene removal potential. The duration of the stimulation effect, monitored over 3 weeks, was short-lived decaying to prestimulation levels within 1 to 7 days depending on species. Elevated phytoremediation rate was dependent on the continued presence of toluene. The rapid rate of increase in phytoremediation and subsequent decay points toward a response mediated by changes in gene expression by the plant, microorganisms within the media, or both rather than an alteration in microbe population. A better understanding of the stimulation response may facilitate the use of plants for indoor air remediation in homes and offices.
gas (1.3 ppm for 18 h) (Kim et al., 2011). Of the 28 crops tested, 27 displayed an increase in toluene removal efficiency after the initial exposure with the greatest increase occurring after the first exposure. The increase in effi- ciency between the first and third exposure ranged from 378 mg