Colchester — Nitrogen dioxide levels in rooms using a local company's Aerogation green-wall system were reduced by more than 60 percent, according to new research at Staffordshire University in England.

Researchers found that the AgroSci system significantly reduced harmful nitrogen dioxide levels that often accumulate around roadways and power plants or in urban settings as a result of burning fossil fuels. The gas can be a major irritant to humans' respiratory systems.

The study done by John Dover indicated that AgroSci's living wall system using live plants was more effective than another, more passive living wall that contained the same number and types of plants.

"This study provides scientific proof that our Aerogation green walls significantly reduce (nitrogen dioxide) and fine particulates, dangerous components of diesel and other fossil fuel pollution," Chris Pianta, AgroSci's chief executive, said in a statement.

According to AgroSci's press material, the company's Aerogation system directs air to the roots of plants, a method that improves plants' ability to break down toxins and chemicals, along with other impurities or allergens.

Among AgroSci's most recent projects has been the installation of Aerogation green walls at bus stops in London. AgroSci's distributor in the United Kingdom, Watermatic, worked with the installation company Treebox to build the green walls to test their effect on scrubbing emissions from the air.

In addition, AgroSci has recently installed a three-story outdoor living wall in midtown Manhattan and a large-scale Aerogation system at a restaurant in Baltimore.

l.howard@theday.com