earticle

영어

Air pollution posed a public concern to communities in a global scale. Hence, this study explored the potential of coconut spathe fibers as air filter media in order to reduce pollution level. Coconut spathe fibers (CSF) were cleaned and cut to 7cm by 7cm of thickness 0.5cm. Air filters were made up of the coconut pouch sandwiched between two metal plates. Metal plates were ridden with evenly distributed 1cm diameter holes and 1cm apart. Filters were constructed in triplicates and tested against air pollution. The free-acceleration test for in-use compression-ignition motor vehicles based on European Emission Standards pursuant to Section 21 of Republic Act 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999) was employed. Smoke Opacity Measurement (SOM) was done to the assess air quality before and after filtration as a function of thickness using the free acceleration principle. Light- absorption coefficient () of the exhaust gases was measured with a digital opacimeter. Three replications were done. Mean values were reported and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Test was performed to quantify the amount of air pollutants that impair visibility, including aerosols and particulate matters, in the gaseous exhaust.. Results suggest that car exhaust smoke after passing through CSF filters became relatively transparent light. This study illustrates the potential of coconut spathe fibers as an alternative natural air filter system for air pollution control.