In Situ Evaluation of Filter Media Modified by Biocidal Nanomaterials to Control Bioaerosols in Internal Environments

Controlling the bioaerosol present in indoor environments has been evidenced to be extremely necessary. An alternative is to develop filter media for air conditioners that have biocidal properties. This study aimed to verify the biocidal effect of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter medi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water, air, and soil pollution air, and soil pollution, 2021-05, Vol.232 (5), p.176-176, Article 176
Main Authors: de Freitas Rosa Remiro, Paula, de Sousa, Cristina Paiva, Alves, Henrique Cezar, Bernardo, André, Aguiar, Mônica Lopes
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air
Air conditioners
Air conditioning
Air pollution
Airborne microorganisms
Analysis
Antiinfectives and antibacterials
Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution
Bathrooms
Bioaerosols
Biocides
Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts
Deposition
Disease resistance
E coli
Earth and Environmental Science
Environment
Environmental monitoring
Equipment and supplies
Escherichia coli
Filter cake
Filter media
Filters
Hydrogeology
Indoor environments
Microorganisms
Nanomaterials
Nanoparticles
Nanotechnology
Permeability
Silver
Soil Science & Conservation
Titanium dioxide
Water Quality/Water Pollution
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Summary:Controlling the bioaerosol present in indoor environments has been evidenced to be extremely necessary. An alternative is to develop filter media for air conditioners that have biocidal properties. This study aimed to verify the biocidal effect of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter medium modified with the deposition of nanoparticles on its surface. For this purpose, Ag, TiO 2 , and Ag/TiO 2 nanoparticles were used and the antimicrobial activities of these nanomaterials against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans microorganisms were evaluated, as well as the biocidal efficacy of the modified HEPA filter with these nanomaterials in a real environment. The percentages of elimination obtained for the Ag, TiO 2 , and Ag/TiO 2 nanomaterials, respectively, were 53%, 63%, and 68% ( E. coli ); 67%, 67%, and 69% ( S. aureus ); and 68%, 73%, and 75% ( C. albicans ). The HEPA filter media had their surfaces modified by aspersion and deposition of Ag, TiO 2 , and Ag/TiO 2 nanomaterials. We could conclude that the nanoparticles adhered to the filter medium do not affect its permeability. The modified filters were arranged in an internal environment (bathroom) for the collection of the bioaerosols, and after the collection, the filter cake was plated and arranged to grow in a liquid medium. The results showed that the filters have 100% of biocidal action in passing air, and 55.6%, 72.2%, and 81% of inhibition to microbial growth in their surface for modification with Ag, TiO 2 , and Ag/TiO 2 , respectively, compared to unmodified filters.
ISSN:0049-6979
1573-2932
DOI:10.1007/s11270-021-05105-3