Researchers at the Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow have developed a low-cost indoor air filtration system that utilizes industrial fly ash and agricultural biomass to combat toxic kitchen air pollution. The innovation, created by research scholar Farheen Zehra under the guidance of associate professor Alfred Lawrence, has been published in a journal of the American Chemical Society.
Addressing Indoor Air Pollution
The system is specifically designed to tackle indoor air pollution, particularly kitchen emissions that pose serious health risks to women. It effectively removes both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants commonly released during coal and wood burning in traditional stoves (chulhas), heavy frying, high-temperature cooking, non-vegetarian cooking, and the use of oils, spices, and biomass fuels.
How the System Works
According to Lawrence, the filtration system features a layer of coconut husk that acts as a natural pre-filter, capturing coarse pollutants. Porous pellets made from fly ash absorb harmful gases, while an electrospun fly ash nanofiber sheet targets finer and more hazardous air pollutants. The system achieved approximately 59% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the first five minutes, which is considered the most critical exposure period. Advanced layered versions recorded over 80% VOC removal under controlled conditions.
VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and are commonly emitted from household products such as paints, solvents, adhesives, cleaning agents, pesticides, building materials, and office supplies. They are among the dangerous indoor pollutants linked to respiratory illness, eye irritation, and long-term health risks.
Cost-Effective Solution
Since the filtration system is made from waste-derived materials, it costs approximately Rs2,500. In contrast, air purifiers available in the market that remove only particulate matter typically cost more than Rs10,000, while devices capable of filtering both particulate matter and VOCs can cost over Rs35,000.
Future Plans
The team plans to file a patent soon to protect the novelty of the system. Lawrence stated that collaboration with industry partners could help scale up manufacturing and enable commercialization as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to existing air purification technologies.
