Effects of filtration on secondary organic aerosols generated by indoor ozone-limonene reactions

Abstract

This study examines the effects of filtration on secondary organic aerosols (SOA) resulting from reactions between indoor limonene and ozone. A total of 3 experiments (without filters, with clean filters and with used filters in the AHU room) were conducted in an unoccupied field environmental chamber (FEC) having a volume of 220m3 (11.5 x 7.9 x 2.6m), recirculation loop volume of approximately 7m3 with computers, furniture present at constant recirculation rate and fresh air supply. The preliminary experimental (which serves as a stage of knowledge) results suggest evidence in support of adsorption phenomenon in HVAC system and clean filter having the lowest particle concentration. However clean filters and other scenarios status for longer period of time is still questionable and needs further clarification.