Removal of microbes and air pollutants passing through nonwoven polypropylene filters by activated carbon and nanosilver colloidal layers.

Due to their high capacity, nonwoven textiles have been used for a long time as potential filters to remove harmful air pollutants. In this study, needle-punch polypropylene layers were treated with powder activated carbon and nanosilver particle through pad drying and spray techniques, respectively. The morphology of treated layers was observed by a scanning electron microscope and laboratory apparatus were used to evaluate effects of microbe elimination from samples of passing polluted air. The gas adsorption efficiency of fabricated filter was measured by an air pollution device. Results showed that samples treated with activated carbon absorbed 38%, 100% and 100% of CO, NO and NO2 gases, respectively, compared with pristine samples. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were completely removed from passing air by nanosilver-coated layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]