The efficiency of chemical agglomeration in PM₂.₅ removal under a closed testing system

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of biopolymers in removing PM₂.₅ via chemical agglomeration in a 6.6 m³ closed chamber system. The biopolymers used in this study are pectin, sodium alginate, and Xanthan gum. Chemical concentration and relative humidity inside the chamber were assigned to examine the effect on PM₂.₅ removal. Chemical agglomerants were prepared at two concentrations, 0.1% and 0.5% w/v for pectin and sodium alginate, and 0.05% and 0.1% w/v for Xanthan gum. The agglomeration testing was conducted under two different relative humidity conditions, i.e., 45±3% and 55±3%. An incense burning was used as a source of PM₂.₅ 10 mL of each chemical solution were applied via a hand spray. The result showed that using pectin could give the highest removal efficiency of PM₂.₅, 28.8±6.4%, which could be observed by testing at 0.5% w/v and under 45±3% RH condition. Whilst testing with sodium alginate and Xanthan gum, the highest removal efficiency of both, 22.5±3.0% and 23.1 ±2.4%, could be observed from applying 0.5% w/v under 55±3% RH and 0.05% w/v under 45±3% RH, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference in PM₂.₅ removal efficiency when compared between all testing conditions at a confidence level of 95%.