Advancing urban agriculture and air quality in edge computing environments through integrated small-scale plant-based filtration systems

This paper introduces the integrated Small-Scale Plant-Based Air Filtration (SPAF) system, a novel integration of air filtration and urban agriculture, specifically designed for edge computing free cooling in urban environments. The SPAF's modular design enables extensive customization to meet various air quality requirements and agricultural needs. Through evaluation across different scenarios, the system has proven its effectiveness in particulate matter reduction, with a single unit showcasing substantial initial filtration efficiency, and even greater performance when multiple units are utilised in series. Beyond its air filtration capabilities, the SPAF system also contributes to urban agriculture, expanding planting areas and supporting the growth of local produce, thereby aligning with global sustainability objectives. Despite its promising applications, challenges such as the variability in filtration performance across different plant species, external climates, and the inability to ensure complete particulate matter removal, underscore the need for further research and potential integration with other purification technologies.