Bioaerosol Removal by ElectroStatic Precipitator for Indoor Air Remediation – BioRESPIR

The BioRESPIR project aims to better characterize electrofiltration processes (ESP) using innovative ionization modes for the study of bioaerosols in indoor air. This work focuses on the collection and filtration efficiencies of bioaerosols, as well as their impact on the health of occupants in public access buildings (ERP) and the improvement of indoor air quality (IAQ). More and more “zero ozone” electrofiltration processes are being developed for air treatment. These innovative processes make it possible to envisage the use of these treatment processes in indoor air, as they emit fewer undesirable secondary compounds such as ozone. However, in the context of the recent health crisis it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of these novel particle filtration processes on biological aerosols. Indeed, understanding the role of particles in the transmission of viruses has been a key factor in protecting populations, accelerating the introduction of IAQ indicators. However, the majority of these indicators only concern the non-biological fraction of atmospheric aerosol, whereas the atmospheric microbiome represents a significant fraction of the health impact of airs contaminants. Thus, the project is structured around 3 objectives : 1) to optimize a bioaerosol sampler that can be used to study the composition and sources of submicronic bioaerosols in the indoor air of some public access buildings such as hospitals, 2) to evaluate the influence of diverse ionization technologies (e.g., wire-plate, carbon brushes) on biological aerosols including bacteria, fungi, and viruses and 3) to validate the safety of innovative electrofiltration processes at both biological and chemical levels under real operating conditions.
The final objectives of the project is to give an expert advice on the potential application of these processes for bioaerosol purification and the control of indoor air quality.