BAYAMBANG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bayambang, Pangasinan

S.Y. 2020-2021

REDUCTION OF OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION USING

HYDROPHOBIC ZEOLITE AIR FILTER

A Research Proposal

Cayabyab, Princess Yasmine P.

Fernandez, Maria Hailena P.

Bautista, Julien Anne Mariz C.

Researchers

Mrs. Gloria C. Magalong

Research Adviser
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

The mixture of particles and other harmful chemicals such as gases that can damage the

daily functioning of humans is called Air Pollution (Nunez, 2019). Premature deaths are

approximately seven million are assumed to be caused by air pollution (Ritchie and Roser, 2017).

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline to produce electricity and

power our vehicles are most of the air pollution results that humans use to satisfy their needs

(Leonardo Academy, 2013). Air pollution that is outside of the built environment is called Outdoor

Air Pollution, this category includes the residues in burning fossil fuels, smoke, noxious gases, etc.

Being exposed to air pollution can cause people have wide-range health effects. Temporary

effects may include pneumonia, bronchitis, irritation to any part of the body, headaches, nausea,

and dizziness. Odors that are produced by factories may be also called air pollution. Effects of air

pollution that last for about a year or even a whole lifetime are called Long-Term Effects, these

may include heart and lung diseases, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Nerves,

kidneys, and other organs may also be affected by air pollution (National Geographic Society,

2011).

According to the World Health Organization in 2019, a large number of about 4.2 million

deaths per year are caused by ambient (outdoor) pollution, and about 3.8 million deaths every year

are assumed to be caused by smoke produced by dirty cookstoves and fuels. Today, it is not just

pollution that is a risk that is mixed with air. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is also potentially

airborne. Transmission of the disease may rapidly rise even without close contact with an infected

person.

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 For these reasons enough, the researchers aim to develop an outdoor air purifying device

made of hydrophobic zeolite to reduce the rate of outdoor air pollution, which can purify harmful

chemicals mixed with the air people breathe in.

Hydrated aluminosilicate minerals produced from interlinked tetrahedra of alumina (AlO4)

and silica (SiO4) are called zeolites. In 1756, Swedish geologist Axel Cronstedt coined the name

“zeolite” which means “boiling stone”. These solids can resist different kinds of environmental

conditions. Over 1000°C is its relative melting point. They are not believed to have negative

environmental effects. The structure of a zeolite is an open, cage-like, “framework”. Molecules

can be trapped inside the porous structure of the zeolite. The common uses of zeolites are ion-

exchange water softeners, odor control, and pet litter. The Fukushima disaster in Japan in 2011

also proved that zeolites are extremely effective at removing radioactive nuclear waste (Woodford,

2019). Hydrophobic zeolites can be very efficient in absorbing Volatile Organic Compounds

(VOCs) (United States Environmental Protection, 1998).

Another environmental phenomenon caused by air pollution is Global Warming. This

phenomenon refers to the rising air and ocean temperature. The rising air temperature is caused by

greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gas that is giving the biggest impact is Carbon Dioxide.

Methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases are also greenhouse gases. Emission from coal and

other agricultural processes produces Methane. Nitrous oxide is produced by the burning of fossil

fuels. Hydrofluorocarbon is a kind of Fluorinated gas. Fluorinated gases are used instead of

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) because CFCs can contribute much larger to ozone depletion.

Having clean air is one of the top priorities of the World Health Organization. With the

will to help in the reduction of air pollution, the researchers will conduct this study and develop a

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device that purifies the outdoor air. Hydrophobic Zeolites will be used together with compounds

and substances that purify air to create an eco-friendly device.

Through this study, the researchers aim to give human society a much cheaper and eco-

friendly outdoor air purifying device. Increasing air pollution will be prevented and particulates

coming from harmful gases were purified for people to breathe in clean air. This study also aims

to participate in the campaign for awareness about the effects of air pollution and what people can

do to help in saving the life of the Earth.

Engineering Goals

Clean air is very important to human society; however, pollutants and other harmful

substances are present which leads to air pollution. There are already several ways to purify the

air but mostly are made solely for indoor air pollution. Outdoor pollution makes higher damage to

the air and that led the researchers to develop a Hydrophobic Zeolite Filter Outdoor Air Filter to

reduce the rate of outdoor air pollution.

1. This study aims to develop an Outdoor Air Filter using Hydrophobic Zeolite.

2. To know what component/s of Hydrophobic Zeolite make it possible to be used in

developing Outdoor Air Filter that will Reduce the Rate of Outdoor Air Pollution

3. To know what types of outdoor air pollution can the device filter.

Expected Outcome

1. The Hydrophobic Zeolite can be developed as an Outdoor Air Filter to Reduce the Rate of

Outdoor Air Pollution

2. Due to the cage-like framework of the Hydrophobic Zeolite it can trap molecules, then it

can be possible for it to be used as an outdoor air filter to reduce outdoor air pollution.

3. The device will be able to purify the following:

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 a. Particulate matter

b. Nitrogen oxides

c. Carbon monoxide (CO)

Significance of the Study

Outdoor air pollution contributes to several ecological damages; therefore, it is needed to

have a device that can purify it. Pollutants of outdoor air pollution do not only affect the air but

also gives harmful effects and impacts on people. For these reasons, the researchers aimed to

develop an outdoor air filter that purifies outdoor air pollution such as particulate matter, nitrogen

oxide, and carbon monoxide that its main source of purification components is a crystalline

mineral, specifically a Hydrophobic Zeolite so that it would be considered as an eco-friendly

device.

For the researchers. This study will help the researchers in campaigning their advocacy

to spread awareness about purifying the air. It would also help them to share their knowledge about

the topic and to have their voices be heard if they conduct this study. This can serve as your

motivation to enhance air quality.

For the community. This project will help the enhancement of clean air inside the

community. It will also give ideas on how could the community be part of aiming and purifying

air, specifically outdoors.

For the consumers. This study will create a catalytic muffler that can compete with

commercial outdoor air filters, but at a cheaper cost in the market.

Scope and Delimitations

The assembly of the device will be conducted at Pangasinan State University Urdaneta

Campus, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. In due course, the device will undergo testing at the local

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public market and the tricycle terminal of Bayambang, Pangasinan. The researchers will only

purify the following types of air pollution: particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and carbon

monoxide.

To accomplish the objective of this study, the methodology will utilize a pre-testing which

is conducted to determine the AQI of the said locations, and the five device testing which is

conducted with a commercial outdoor air purifier alongside the Hydrophobic Outdoor Air Filter

in the mentioned locations. For the data analysis, the researchers will use Factorial ANOVA or

Three-Way ANOVA.

Definition of Terms

In able for the readers to have a better understanding of the study, the following terms

will be defined:

Outdoor Air Pollution

- the mixture of particles and other harmful chemicals such as gases that can damage the

daily functioning of humans

Hydrophobic

- repulsion from mixing with water

Zeolite

- hydrated aluminosilicate minerals produced from interlinked tetrahedra of alumina

(AlO4) and silica (SiO4)

- solids with an open, cage-like, “framework”

Air Filter

- a filter that filters the air, specifically the particulates carried by air.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY

This chapter will be discussing a review of topics related to the potential of developing a

hydrophobic zeolite air filter.

I. Related Literature

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any

chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere

(WHO, n.d.). These are the release of pollutants into the air which are detrimental to human health

and the planet (Mackenzie and Turrentine, 2021). Air pollution is one of the most familiar health

hazards nowadays, which comes from sources that are seen or not seen and give rise to different

health and environmental effects (NIEHS, n.d.). This is categorized into two types: outdoor air

pollution and indoor air pollution.

Outdoor air pollution or as some calls it ambient air pollution is known as the presence of

one or more substances in the atmospheric air wherein concentrations and duration exceed the

natural limits. This type of air pollution is a major threat to our environmental and global public

health, commonly in respiratory human health (Sweileh et. al., 2018). This can commonly source

from emissions from industries, bushfires, etc. (NSW, n.d.).

Indoor air pollution or in other words household air pollution is known as the presence of

harmful contaminants in the air indoors. This type of air pollution may be very dangerous to human

health for indoor air is far more concentrated with pollutants than outdoor air. There are many

sources of indoor air pollution commonly from cooking and heating (Friedl, 2021).

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 1.1. Sources of Air Pollution

Air pollution is created when harmful substances enter the air, it can be in the form of

gases, liquids, or solids. This comes from different sources which can be naturally made and

human-made.

Natural sources, on the other hand, majorly source from organic compounds from plants,

volcanic eruptions, forest fires, etc which release pollutants such as ash, soot, sulfur dioxide, smog,

salt spray, volcanic and combustion gases, etc. Man-made or anthropogenic air pollution majorly

occurs from burning fossil fuels for transportation (terrestrial, naval, and aerial), industrial

processes, residential heating systems, and agricultural systems which produces pollutants such as

carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds

(VOCs), and particulates.

Particulate matter (PM) is a common proxy indicator of air pollution, it contains chemicals

such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon, ammonia, sodium chloride, or mineral dust and water. These may

come from vehicle and industrial emissions from fossil fuel combustion, cigarette smoke, and

burning organic matter. The majority of air pollution effects were due to this pollutant, PM10 can

penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs, and PM2.5 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the

blood system which has more health-damaging effects.

Figure 1. Size of Particulate Matter.

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 Nitrogen oxide, also a primary air pollutant on our planet, is an irritant and highly reactive

gas, which at high concentrations causes inflammation of the airways. It is also a strong oxidizing

agent and gives effect to atmospheric reactions with VOCs that produce smog. These are well-

produced vehicle and industrial sources.

Graph 1. Sources of Nitrogen Oxide.

Carbon monoxide is defined as an odorless, colorless gas formed by incomplete

combustion of fuels or a byproduct of it. These can come from gas fires, oil-burning furnaces,

portable generators, charcoal grills, fuel-burning appliances, etc.

Figure 2. Sources of Carbon Monoxide.

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 1.2. Health Effects

There are different diverse effects of outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution on

human health, both types are major hazards to this area and reluctantly have killed a lot in our

society. According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million

premature deaths per year while indoor air pollution causes 3.8 million people to die prematurely.

Air pollution contributes to different diseases in the human body, these may be majorly in

our respiratory and cardiovascular systems, or may even cause cancer. In the human respiratory

system, lung development is affected when exposed to air pollution and can cause emphysema,

asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the human cardiovascular system,

impairment of blood vessel function and calcification in the arteries speeds up usually when

particulate matter is exposed to the human body. Exposure may also increase the risk of dangerous

changes in blood pressure and lowered levels of high-density lipoprotein. The risk of vulnerability

to benzene can also cause leukemia and substances called methylene chloride may result in breast

cancer.

Figure 3. Levels of Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health.

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 As seen in the above figure, and as mentioned in the above-stated sources of air pollution

impacts of fine particles entering the human body’s lungs and bloodstream may result in premature

death, non-fatal heart attacks, and aggravated asthma. Ground-level ozone which are oxidants that

irritate airways in the lungs gives the same result (EPA, 2021).

The basis for reporting the air quality in a community is the Air Quality Index, which is a

measure of how air pollution affects human health within a short period. This was created to help

people know the air quality in their locality and know the health impacts due to this. The

Environmental Protection Agency establishes an Air Quality Index (AQI) for five major pollutants,

which are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen

dioxide.

Table 1. Air Quality Index

Based on the given table above, the AQI is calculated with points of scales from 0 to 500

however this may differ in different countries. The concept of AQI is the higher the AQI value,

the greater the air pollution and health concerns. The lower the AQI the lesser the air pollution and

health concerns.
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 1.3. Environmental Effects

Along with the diverse effects of air pollution on human health, it may also cause a wide

variety of effects on our planet’s environment.

Acid rain is the result of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions to the atmosphere and

is transported by the wind and air currents. As SO2 and NOx react with water and other chemicals,

they form sulfuric and nitric acids. These mix with the water falling to the grounds and causing

acid rain, these acids fall to the earth either as wet precipitation or dry precipitation. As this

happens trees are damaged and soils and water bodies acidify which affects wildlife. It also speeds

up decay in buildings, statues, and sculptures.

Eutrophication is mainly the result of human activities such as the usage of fertilizers

contributing excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies. These amounts

stimulate the bloom of algae, which can cause fish kills and loss of plant and animal diversity.

Also, emissions of nitrogen oxides from power plants, transportation, and other sources contribute

to the amount of nitrogen entering the aquatic ecosystems.

Haze occurs when sunlight encounters small pollution particles in the air, this obscures the

clarity, color, texture, and form of what we see.

Toxic pollutants in the air, soil, or waters can also impact wildlife in many ways, just like

human health. If animals are exposed to sufficient concentrations of air pollution, they can also

experience health problems such as birth defects, reproductive failure, and animal disease. In the

aquatic ecosystem, toxic pollutants that break down slowly are of particular concern for they

accumulate in sediments and may affect the tissues of animals at the top of the food chain.

Ozone is a gas that occurs both at ground level and in the earth’s stratosphere, however, in

the stratosphere, it is a layer that protects life on earth from the sun’s UV rays. Ozone depletion

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occurs through man-made chemicals called ozone-depleting substances including

chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and halons. As these substances are used for

human benefits it depletes the “good” ozone which makes it thin and may cause increased amounts

of UV radiation to reach the earth. This can lead to increased cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and

impaired immune systems.

2. Air Filter

Air filtration is a widely used technology to remove particles from an air stream., its basic

function is to clean air which circulates through heating and cooling systems. This trap and hold

different particulates and contaminants such as dust and dirt, pollen, mold and mold spores, fibers

and lint, metal, plaster, or wood particles, bacteria, and microorganisms.

2.1. HEPA filter

HEPA technology has been around since the 1930s and is a kind of filter media that permits

air to undergo. This filter is highly efficient at particle abatement and is 99.97% effective in

capturing particles 0.3 microns or larger which includes common pollutants such as dust, hair,

dander, and pollen. HEPA technology was originally developed by the nuclear energy Commission

to make clean and safe environments for troops, researchers, and scientists. Because of a HEPA

filter's ability to get rid of particles from the air, it's the foremost common method of air

purification. When purchasing an air purifier with HEPA filtration, search for True HEPA filters,

as these must pass independent tests and perform at a particular standard to receive the excellence

of a True HEPA filter. Also, when choosing a HEPA air purifier, pay close attention to the filter's

construction. Warm-rolled HEPA filters are best, as these aren't susceptible to cracking, and air

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purifiers utilizing warm-rolled and pleated HEPA filters also increase filtration efficiency. (Jeanie

Wong, 2008).

2.2. HEGA filter

HEGA filters serve a different purpose. HEGA stands for top Efficiency Gas Absorption,

and this sort of filter was developed a few decades ago by British Army as a defense against

chemical operations. HEGA filters are composed of carbon cloth and are considered to be

repeatedly more efficient than granulated activated charcoal at adsorption of gaseous pollutants,

chemicals, and odors. Because of their efficiency, lightweight, and straightforward workability,

air purifiers with HEGA filters are now becoming more popular, especially in air purifiers geared

towards the allergy, chemical, gas, and odor control. Some air purifiers even use HEGA filters

together with HEPA filters to supply complete air purification. (Jeanie Wong, 2008).

3. Zeolite

Figure 4. Zeolite

`Zeolites are microporous aluminosilicate minerals that naturally occur, these are hydrated

aluminosilicate minerals made from interlinked tetrahedra of alumina (AIO4) and silica (SiO4).

They naturally form where volcanic rocks and ash layers react with alkaline water. They also

crystallize in post-depositional environments over many periods of years in shallow marine basins.

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 Figure 5. Zeolite Crystal Structure and Formula

As seen in the figure above, zeolites are solids with a relatively open, three-dimensional

crystal structure built from the elements aluminum, oxygen, and silicon with alkali or alkaline-

Earth metals with water molecules trapped in the gaps between them. Zeolites are classified based

on their morphological characteristics, crystal structure, chemical composition, natural occurrence,

and effective pore diameter. Zeolites are classified as natural and synthetic, where both have

several different types.

II. Related Studies

1. Local

In a study conducted by Timothy Fernando F. Sagun, Daniel Jethro R. Cayabyab, and

Jericho Emmanuel S. Corpuz at the facilities of Bayambang National High School titled “TiO2

ReCon: Catalytic Reaction of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles – Equipped Detachable Converter

for Greenhouse Gases Reduction and Oxygen (O2) Conservation” (2019), the researchers

dissolved nanoparticles of titanium dioxide using the mixture of HCl and Ethanol. By the use of a

non-dispersive infrared sensor where gases, which include CO2, CO, NOX2, HC2, and O2 were put

to an emission test and were characterized through their wavelengths.

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 In another study conducted by Mechaella Joy R. La Torre, Ronniel M. Centeno, and

Jhazmyn T. Fallorina at the facilities of Bayambang National High School titled “Development of

a Portable IoT Air Quality Monitoring Device” (2019), the researchers developed an air quality

monitoring system with multiple sensors that can extend a greater help because it is not restricted

to only one air parameter. Gathering and sharing of data will be conducted by the use of the

internet, Initial and final testing were conducted by the researchers. In conclusion, data gathering

and information dissemination were done efficiently by the device.

In another study conducted by Airah P. Osonio and Eleanor M. Olegario-Sanchez in the

facilities of the University of the Philippines Diliman titled “Hydrophobic surface

functionalization of Philippine Natural Zeolite for a Targeted Oil Remediation Application”

(2017), the researchers modified and compared the oil sorption and capacity on the surface of

natural zeolite (NZ) and functionalized natural zeolite (FNZ) and compared with activated

charcoal samples. The NZ samples underwent surface modification via the esterification process

and were characterized through the use of XRD, SEM, and IR spectroscopy. Based on the results,

FNZ has an enhanced oil/water sorption capacity than the NZ samples and can be compared with

the capacity of activated charcoal.

In another study conducted by Eleanor Olegario-Sanchez and Christian Mark Oscon

Peliciano titled “Characterization of Philippine Natural Zeolite and its Application for Heavy

Metal Removal from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)” (2016), the adsorption efficiency of Philippine

natural zeolite for treating acid mine drainage is investigated. The metal ions considered were

Cu2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+ ions. The natural zeolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and

scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

(EDX). The XRD result revealed that the natural zeolite is mainly composed of heulandite (Ca,

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Na)2-3Al3(Al, Si)2Si13O36 • 12H2O. Plate-like structures having rough surfaces and micro-pores

were observed. The natural zeolite exhibited adsorption efficiencies of 99.03%, 35.88%, and

35.36% for Pb2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ ions, respectively, which are higher than those of alumina

adsorbent for the same ions. Based on these results, the Philippine natural zeolite has a great

potential for removing cationic heavy metal species from acid mine drainage (AMD).

2. Foreign

In a study conducted in Taiwan by Ms.Shih Ching Lee and her co-researchers at the

Institute of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering National Yunlin University of Science

and Technology, Yunlin, Tawain in the year 2013, a synthesized Y-type zeolite was impregnated

with amines used to capture CO2 to maintain good indoor air quality (IAQ). Three kinds of amines,

including monoethanolamine (MEA), isopropanol amine (IPA), and tetraethylenepentamine

(TEPA), were selected to study the performance of CO2 adsorption capacity at a fixed-bed in an

80-L air chamber. These Y8 loaded with amines were examined with a Scanning Electron

Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), and Thermogravimetric

Analyzer (TGA) to determine their textural properties before and after amines-impregnation. The

results of this study show that amines functionalized Y8 have excellent adsorption potential for

removing indoor CO2.

Another study conducted in the year 2015, a thorough assessment of the photocatalytic

properties of a series of zeolite/TiO2 composites for the degradation of pollutants in the gas phase.

The composites have been prepared by the incipient wet impregnation method using an acidic

TiO2 sol precursor and five different zeolites. The influence of the content of TiO2, the zeolite

structure (Zeolite Y and ZSM-5), and the Si/Al ratio in the textural properties, adsorption capacity,

and the photodegradation activity of the zeolite/TiO2 composites have been studied.

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Formaldehyde (HCHO) and a chlorinated hydrocarbon, trichloroethylene (C2HCl3), have been

used as model volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The composites obtained have been

characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, TGA-DTA, SEM, and TEM microscopy.

Electrophoretic migration measurements and adsorption ability in dynamic conditions for both

model molecules were determined. The incipient wet impregnation method using a TiO2 acidic

sol is suitable for preparing well-dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles around 5 nm onto microporous

zeolites. The results shown in this work reveal that the nature of the pollutant and the

physicochemical characteristic of the zeolites have a strong influence on the adsorption ability and

the photocatalytic performance of the composites, reducing the formation of non-desirable reaction

by-products. An adequate balance between the surface area and adsorption ability is required to

optimize photocatalytic efficiency.

In another study conducted in China in the year 2013, in this study, a cost-effective radial

diffusive sampler (THPDS, Tsinghua Passive Diffusive Sampler) with hydrophobic silica zeolites

as adsorbents is developed. The performance of THPDS was evaluated, including blank values,

method detection limits (MDLs), desorption efficiency, etc. The sampling rates (SRs) were

measured under various experimental conditions provided by an exposure chamber. Results

indicate that the sampling rates of THPDS keep relatively constant with varying exposure dose,

wind velocity, and humidity, although the temperature has a negative effect on the SRs. Adjusted

SRs related with temperature were introduced. It is concluded that the uncertainties of THPDS are

comparable to those of most commercial passive samplers.

In another study conducted by X. L. Zhou et al titled “Performance of different zeolites as

adsorbents for methane” (2016), the researchers studied the behavioral absorption of methane

when simulated in a coal-bed gas on several microspore zeolites. The conducted treatments were

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Alkali and steaming of ZSM-5 to test the effect of pore structures on methane adsorption behavior.

Based on the results, pore structures of zeolite adsorbent have a more important effect on the

adsorption performance, compared with the specific surface area.

III. SYNTHESIS

The given local studies are related to the linked study because of certain aspects. In the first

one, the use of a catalyst is done. The catalyst used by the researchers of the related study is

titanium dioxide, while the researchers of the linked study will be using hydrophobic zeolite. In

the second study, it is related because of the involvement of air quality. The third study involves

the testing of zeolites as an adsorbent which is also the same as the fourth related study, however,

the linked study will be testing the absorbency of hydrophobic zeolites rather than other types of

zeolites. While the given foreign studies relate to this study for each use of different types of

zeolites as an adsorbent, in the linked study, however, the researchers will be using hydrophobic

zeolites.

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Conceptual Framework

Hydrophobic Zeolite Outdoor Air Filter

Bayambang, Pangasinan

Target Outdoor Air Pollutants

Particulate matter
Nitrogen oxide
Carbon monoxide (CO)

Evaluation of Possible Air Quality Index

Measurement Instruments
PCE-RCM 05
PCE-HFX 100
PCE-RCM 8

Development c of Device
Hydrophobic Zeolite Strainer
Initial Special Polyester Strainer
Activated Carbon Strainer
Formaldehyde Strainer
Electrostatic Dust Collection Strainer

Execution of Pre-Test

Air Quality Index Air Quality Index

Test Score ≤ 50 Test Score > 50

Conduction of Tests with Device

Data Analysis
Three-way ANOVA

Figure 5. Conceptual Framework

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 The researchers will construct a device that is specialized for the reduction of outdoor air

pollution. Background research will be conducted for the solutions to the general problem, and the

researchers will find ways and develop an air filtration device with the usage of hydrophobic

zeolite. The researchers will create a sketch of the prototype incorporating a hydrophobic zeolite

outdoor air filter. Thereupon, the gathering of materials for the device will take place. After the

gathering of materials, device assembly will begin. As such, the researchers will assemble the

device which includes the hydrophobic zeolite filter as its main component. The tests will be

executed at the Bayambang Public Market and Tricycle Terminal of Bayambang, Pangasinan. It

is expected that the device will be able to purify the following types of Outdoor Air Pollution:

particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide

Research Design

The researchers will be using the experimental research design to conduct the study. A

device that is specialized in the reduction of outdoor air pollution will be constructed. Hydrophobic

Zeolite is planned to be used as the primary filter in the aforementioned device that will be pursued

by the researchers.

The target outdoor air pollutants are as follows: particulate matter, Nitrogen oxide, and

Carbon monoxide. Together the Hydrophobic Zeolite Strainer will be assembled with the

Formaldehyde Strainer, Electrostatic Dust Collection Strainer, and Activated Carbon Strainer.

The Hydrophobic Zeolite Outdoor Air Filter will be tested by using it in the Bayambang

Public Market and Tricycle Terminal of Bayambang Pangasinan. The tests will consist of pre-

testing, first device testing, second device testing, third device testing, and fourth device testing.

The pre-testing will be conducted to determine the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the said

locations before the subsequent device testings. To test if there is a significant difference between

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the efficiency of the Hydrophobic Zeolite Outdoor Air Filter and the usual commercial outdoor air

purifying devices, a commercial outdoor air purifier will be purchased and used at the same time

as the Hydrophobic Zeolite Outdoor Air Filter. A PCE-RCM 05 particle counter would be used to

determine the Air Quality Index of each test.

After the execution of the five device testings, the determined Air Quality Index of each

testing will be calculated as the difference between the pre-testing and the average of the four

device testings to figure if there is a significant difference between the Air Quality Index of the

locations, before and during the device testings.

Figure 6. Prototype

Subject of the Study

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 This study will seek to evaluate the reduction of outdoor air pollution using a hydrophobic

zeolite air filter. As part of the main objective, the researchers will conduct the device testing in

the Bayambang Public Market and Bayambang Tricycle Terminal. The device is expected to filter

the following: Particulate matter, Nitrogen oxide, and Carbon monoxide.

Materials

 Hydrophobic Zeolite Strainer

 Formaldehyde Strainer

 Electrostatic Dust Collection Strainer

 Initial Special Polyester Strainer

 Activated Carbon Strainer

 “1 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m” Outer ABS Plastic Shell

 Switch

 Set Jumper Wires

 Set Cable Ties

 Electrical Tape

 Capacitor

 Resistor

 Lithium Ion Battery

 Lithium Ion Battery Charger

 Double-sided Tape

 Glue Gun

 Screw Driver

 Electric Fan

 Screws
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Device Assembly

In this study, gathering materials for the will be bought from hardware and online shops. To

guarantee that all the materials are working properly, the researchers will do a preliminary test for

all the materials. The materials will be tested at a laboratory on Pangasinan State University

Urdaneta Campus in September 2022.

A “1 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m” Outer ABS Plastic Shell will be used as the case for the device. An

electric fan will be placed inside as it will be the one to pull air through the air purifier. It will

consist of metal fan blades attached to the motor’s power take-off. It will be attached to the case

using screws.

Next to the fan, an electrostatic precipitator will be placed. The high voltage positive direct

current will then be applied to the plates through wires linked to alternative plates. The remaining

plates will be grounded. Small diameter wires will run in front of the collecting plates to create the

ionizing unit. The precipitator case will be equipped with a voltage transformer that will convert

115-volt home alternating current to high voltage direct current. Both the positively charged

collection plates and the ionizing wires will receive this voltage.

After the electrostatic precipitator, a carbon-impregnated cloth or foam-activated carbon filter

(for odor control) will be used. It is usually made by injecting powdered activated carbon into the

source material.

Then, a hydrophobic zeolite filter will follow the activated carbon filter inside the case. It is

the primary filter of the device, which will be assembled using powdered hydrophobic zeolite.

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Following the main filter of the device, a formaldehyde strainer will be placed at the last part of

the device.

After the quality testing of materials, the Hydrophobic Zeolite Air Filter will be developed

and finished along with the guidance and advice of the research adviser and consultant.

Device Testing

The device will be tested in the Bayambang Public Market and Bayambang Tricycle

Terminal wherein a pre-testing will be conducted before the following device testings. A PCE-

RCM 05 particle counter would be used to determine the Air Quality Index of each test.

The pre-testing will be conducted in the two aforementioned locations, this testing is

conducted to determine the AQI of the locations previous to conducting the following device

testings.

After performing the pre-testing, device testing will be administered. There will be five

device testings, where there are 7 interval days between each test. These device testings will be

conducted in the two locations said, a commercial outdoor air purifier will be tested alongside the

Hydrophobic Outdoor Air Filter. As said, in the above statement a PCE-RCM 05 particle counter

will be used to regulate the Air Quality index.

Data Analysis

The determined Air Quality Index of each testing will be calculated as the difference

between the pre-testing and the average of the four device testings after the pre-testing and the five

device testings are completed to see if there is a significant difference between the Air Quality

Index of the locations before and during the device testings.

Factorial ANOVA or Three-Way ANOVA will be used as the statistical tool for the

analysis of the results and to determine the conclusion.

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Risk and Safety Management

Non-carbon compounds distilled from the fabrication of activated carbon, specified filter

material, and surplus material that must be eliminated in the production of hydrophobic zeolite

filters are examples of manufacturing byproducts. The majority of other manufacturing wastes,

such as injection machine plastic runners and extra sheet metal, may be recycled.

During the functioning of air filters, more waste is produced. Electrostatic precipitators

produce ozone when their ions contact with oxygen in the air. Ozone is harmful at high

concentrations. Although the ozone created by a home electrostatic precipitator is unlikely to be

harmful, some persons are sensitive to even low doses of ozone. An electrostatic precipitator's

collecting plates must be cleaned regularly.

Hydrophobic zeolite filters have a finite lifespan, which is determined by the amount of air

filtered and the number of particulates in the air. They should be replaced every several years,

according to most manufacturers. Because the used filters are not recyclable, they end up in

landfills.

Although activated carbon can be recycled, handling the small amount of carbon found in

a home air purifier would be prohibitively expensive. After it has been used up, it usually ends up

in landfills.

Ethical Considerations

Ethics is generally the branch of knowledge that deals with the principles or values that

control the conduct of a person or group. The researchers will take responsibility for the

profession, environment, and other factors that will be affected.

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 The researchers will practice ethics throughout the processes done in the study which

includes include, experimenting, and evaluating a project. Here are some ethics that the researchers

will apply:

1. Preserving whenever possible

2. Ensuring the quality and integrity of the researcher’s work

3. Practicing recycling

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