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At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

In situ removal of 2-chlorophenol from unsaturated soils by ozonation.

A mathematical model considering mass transfer process at the gas-liquid interface in soil ozonation was developed and validated with laboratory column experiments. Experimental data, specifically, concentration profiles of the organic contaminant and the ozone breakthrough curves, were obtained. In this model, the mass flux of ozone transferred from the gas phase into the liquid phase was described by the two-film theory incorporated with an enhancement factor approach as to account for chemical reactions. With the enhancement factor, the ozone gas transport in the experimental column can be described by an advection-dispersion-reaction equation with pseudo-second-order kinetics in the liquid film. This greatly simplifies the governing equations of the system. Results show that parameters such as degradation yield factor, diffusion coefficients, thickness of liquid film, ozone gas concentration, and gas-liquid interfacial area play an important role on the soil ozonation process. Using the scaled model, important universal dimensionless variables were obtained. The Stanton number (St) is the most important parameter in controlling the performance of system. When St approaches zero, the process is reaction-controlled. Conversely, when St is large, it is convection-controlled. Only when the system is convection-controlled (i.e., large St values) can an increase of ozone flow rate enhance the removal of soil contaminants such as 2-chlorophenol.

Air Movements↗
PubMed2006

Indoor secondary pollutants from household product emissions in the presence of ozone: A bench-scale chamber study.

Ozone-driven chemistry is a source of indoor secondary pollutants of potential health concern. This study investigates secondary air pollutants formed from reactions between constituents of household products and ozone. Gas-phase product emissions were introduced along with ozone at constant rates into a 198-L Teflon-lined reaction chamber. Gas-phase concentrations of reactive terpenoids and oxidation products were measured. Formaldehyde was a predominant oxidation byproduct for the three studied products, with yields for most conditions of 20-30% with respect to ozone consumed. Acetaldehyde, acetone, glycolaldehyde, formic acid, and acetic acid were each also detected for two or three of the products. Immediately upon mixing of reactants, a scanning mobility particle sizer detected particle nucleation events that were followed by a significant degree of secondary particle growth. The production of secondary gaseous pollutants and particles depended primarily on the ozone level and was influenced by other parameters such as the air-exchange rate. Hydroxyl radical concentrations in the range 0.04-200 x 10(5) molecules cm(-3) were determined by an indirect method. OH concentrations were observed to vary strongly with residual ozone level in the chamber, which was in the range 1-25 ppb, as is consistent with expectations from a simplified kinetic model. In a separate chamber study, we exposed the dry residue of two products to ozone and observed the formation of gas-phase and particle-phase secondary oxidation products.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2003

Determination of degradation products and pathways of mancozeb and ethylenethiourea (ETU) in solutions due to ozone and chlorine dioxide treatments.

The objective of the present study was to determine the degradation products of mancozeb and ethylenethiourea (ETU) and elucidate the possible degradation pathways in solution as a result of chemical oxidation using ozone and chlorine dioxide. This study was developed in a solution at 100 ppm of mancozeb and ETU concentration over the course of 60 min. Two different oxidizing agents used in this study were (1) ozone at 3 ppm and (2) chlorine dioxide at 20 ppm. Ozone was continuously provided throughout the course of the reaction. Degradation products were detected with high-resolution GC-MS. The total analysis time was 4 min per sample combined with rapid GC separation and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Hydrolysis of mancozeb led to m/z 144 ion fragmentation, which is 5-imidazoledithiocarboxylic acid, as a major degradation product. ETU showed M(+) 102, which corresponds to its mass, indicating this compound was stable in distilled water and did not undergo hydrolysis during 60 min. The average retention times of mancozeb and ETU were approximately 181-189 and 210-230 s, respectively. Ozonation of mancozeb produced ETU as a major product. Treatment of ETU with ozone produced several degradation compounds. From prolonged ozonation, the CS(2) or CS group was removed. Overall, several byproducts identified were M(+) 60, M(+) 84, M(+) 163, M(+) 117, and M(+) 267 by ozone and M(+) 117, M(+) 86, and M(+) 163 by chlorine dioxide treatment. Several of these have been reported, but others have never been reported previously.

Chlorine Compounds↗
PubMed1999

Effects of ozone treatment on postharvest strawberry quality.

The effect of ozone treatment on the postharvest quality of strawberry was evaluated. Strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv. Camarosa) were stored at 2 degrees C in an atmosphere containing ozone (0.35 ppm). After 3 days at 2 degrees C, fruits were moved to 20 degrees C to mimic retail conditions (shelf life). The changes in several quality parameters such as fungal decay, color, sugar and acids distribution, and aroma were evaluated during the strawberries' shelf life. Ozone treatment was ineffective in preventing fungal decay in strawberries after 4 days at 20 degrees C. Significant differences in sugars and ascorbic acid content were found in ozone-treated strawberries. At the end of cold storage, the vitamin C content of ozonated strawberries was 3 times that of control fruits. A detrimental effect of ozone treatment on strawberry aroma was observed, with a 40% reduced emission of volatile esters in ozonated fruits.

Acetaldehyde↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ozonation of methyl oleate in hexane, in a thin film, in SDS micelles, and in distearoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes: yields and properties of the Criegee ozonide.

We here explore the use of Criegee ozonides as markers of ozone damage to lipids in systems that model pulmonary surfactant, lung lining fluids, and/or pulmonary membranes. Ozonation of methyl oleate in hexane gives an 89% yield of the Criegee ozonide. The presence of water should reduce the yield of this ozonide, and as expected, small but significant yields of Criegee ozonides are formed when the ozonation of methyl oleate is carried out as a film over phosphate buffer, in aqueous micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or in distearoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) liposomes spiked with methyl oleate. Analysis utilizes reversed-phase HPLC and 1H NMR. The total yield of ozonides in 0.02 M SDS micelles exposed to 26 ppm ozone for 3 h at pH 7.4 and 22 degrees C is 11%; 7.5% is the normal ozonide, methyl 5-octyl-1,2,4-trioxolane-3-octanoate (MOO2) (ca. 4.2% trans and ca. 3.3% cis), and 3.5% is accounted for by the two cross ozonides, 3,5-dioctyl-1,2,4-trioxolane (MOO1) and dimethyl 1,2,4-trioxolane-3,5-dioctanoate (MOO3). No significant difference of ozonide yields is observed for ozonations with 26 ppm and 1.2% (12,000 ppm) ozone. The conversion of methyl oleate increaes with increasing SDS concentration. Approximately comparable yields of ozonides also are found in the ozonation of methyl oleate in DSPC liposomes although yields are not quantified. The ozonides slowly hydrolyze at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C with half-lives for trans-MOO2 and cis-MOO2 in 0.10 M SDS micelles of 23 and 6 days, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2002

Oxidized phospholipids derived from ozone-treated lung surfactant extract reduce macrophage and epithelial cell viability.

Ozone is known to be a highly toxic gas present in the urban air which exerts its effect on pulmonary tissue through its facile chemical reactions with target molecules in the airway. One of the first barriers encountered by ozone is epithelial lining fluid which contains pulmonary surfactant rich in glycerophosphocholine lipids. The reaction of ozone with calf lung surfactant extract was found to result in the production of 1-palmitoyl-2-(9'-oxo-nonanoyl)-glycerophosphocholine (16:0a/9-al-GPCho) as an expected product of the ozonolysis of abundant unsaturated phospholipids containing unsaturated fatty acyl groups with a double bond at carbon-9. This oxidized phospholipid was identified as a biologically active product in that it reduced elicited macrophage viability by necrosis with an ED(50) of 6 microM. Further studies of the biological activity of 16:0a/9-al-GPCho revealed that concentrations from 100 to 200 nM initiated apoptosis in pulmonary epithelial-like A549 cells as assessed by TUNEL staining, nuclear size, and caspase-3 activation with loss of viability indicated by reduction of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. The release of IL-8, a neutrophil chemokine, from A549 cells was also stimulated by 50-100 nM 16:0a/9-al-GPCho. Exposure of calf lung surfactant to low levels of ozone (62.5, 125, and 250 ppb) for various time periods from 2 to 48 h in a feedback-regulated ozone exposure chamber resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in the formation of 16:0a/9-al-GPCho as measured by a specific and sensitive LC/MS/MS assay. The quantity of this biologically active chain-shortened glycerophosphocholine lipid generated even at 125 ppb ozone for 2-4 h (50-100 nM) was consistent with this product mediating the toxic effects of ozone on cells in contact with surfactant.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Assessing effects of ambient ozone on injury and yield of bean with ethylenediurea (EDU): three years of plant monitoring at four sites in The Netherlands.

EDU (ethylenediurea) and non-EDU-treated bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Lit) were exposed to ambient air at four rural sites in The Netherlands during the growing seasons of 1994 through 1996 to investigate the responses to ambient ozone. Ozone-induced foliar injury was observed each year and differences in injury between sites depended on year. On average, injury amounted to 27% in 1994, to 8% in 1995 and to 1% in 1996. Injury increased with increasing ozone exposure (AOT40) and the estimated AOT40 value corresponding with 5% injury was circa 3650 nl l(-1) h ozone. The highest ozone levels accumulated at each site for five consecutive days before injury exceeded the proposed short-term critical level for injury development. EDU reduced injury and its protective effect was positively related to the injury intensity in non-EDU-treated plants. Yield of green marketable pods (intermediate harvest) and mature pods (final harvest) was generally reduced in non-EDU-treated plants compared to EDU-treated plants and differences in yield reduction between harvests varied between years. The yield of mature pods was reduced in 1994 and 1996 while the yield of green pods was reduced in 1995 by ozone only. Since yield reduction was not correlated with AOT40. the EDU method was not valid to determine an ozone exposure-yield reponse relationship for bean.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2002

Ozone-mediated cytotoxicity after short-term exposure and its relation to the production of cellular metabolites (NO, H2O2).

Alveolar macrophages secrete numerous mediators, playing an important role in host defence. Among these mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are both involved in bactericidal killing and trigger the release of other cellular metabolites. We have analyzed the effect of an atmosphere polluted with ozone (0.03-0.5 ppm v/v) on the monocytic cell line THP-1, as a model for alveolar macrophages, in vitro. NO and H2O2 were chosen to evaluate cell response to ozone. Cell injury was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) liberation into the medium. An exposure to 0.5 ppm ozone proved to be more toxic to the cells, than 0.1 or 0.03 ppm, evidenced by more LDH being liberated and cytotoxicity reaching values up to 64%. For all ozone concentrations, H2O2 production reached a peak value after 10-15 min of exposure, after which the concentration of extracellular H2O2 production diminished rapidly. The highest NO concentrations were measured with 0.5 ppm ozone, reaching a maximum value of 1460 nmol/L per 5 x 10(6) cells, which is 1.55 times higher than for nonexposed cells. Lower concentrations barely induced higher NO concentrations compared to nonexposed cells. The results indicate that ozone effects not only the viability of human monocytes but also the release of antibacterial and defense signaling molecules and suggest that ozone-mediated cytotoxicity may be related to the secretion of NO and H2O2.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2002

The relationship between alveolar epithelial proliferation and airway obstruction after ozone exposure.

BACKGROUND: Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a component of multiprotein complexes that are expressed during cell proliferation. Ozone induces cell necrosis and a consequent increase in cell proliferation. METHODS: To investigate the effects of acute ozone inhalation on cell proliferation and airway obstruction in BALB/C mice, we examined enhanced pause (Penh) as an index of airway obstruction and PCNA expression by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Compared with controls that received filtered air, the ozone-exposed groups had increased PCNA expression in the alveolar epithelial cells. In rank order, the highest PCNA index was found following 2.0 p.p.m. ozone exposure. In the 2.0 p.p.m. ozone group, there was a PCNA index of 16.83 +/- 0.57% (mean +/- SEM; P< 0.01), compared with 4.25 +/- 0.5% at 0.12 p.p.m., 6.83 +/- 0.60 at 0.5 p.p.m and 12.16 +/- 0.48% at 1 p.p.m. Following ozone exposure, Penh was increased in a dose-dependent manner. There was a significant correlation between the PCNA index in alveoli and Penh (r = 0.63, P< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that ozone can induce alveolar epithelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and that alveolar epithelial cell proliferation is correlated with airway obstruction.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1999

Ambient ozone concentrations induce airway hyperresponsiveness in some rat strains.

Ozone is known to induce airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in humans and animals. Previous studies in animals used high exposure levels and reported inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a single low-level ozone exposure on different inbred rat strains. Nine rat strains were exposed to 0.05 parts per million (ppm) for 4 h and airway responsiveness to intravenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) examined. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was examined for the presence of inflammatory cells and markers. Lewis, BDII and Long-Evans rats developed AHR 90 min after ozone exposure, whereas Wistar, Sprague-Dawley, Fisher 344, Brown-Norway, BDE and DA rats did not. Baseline airway responsiveness to 5-HT differed significantly between rat strains, but did not correlate with the presence or absence of ozone-induced AHR. No inflammatory cell influx was found in BALF of any rat strain. In Long-Evans rats, AHR lasted up to 12 h after ozone exposure despite the absence of an inflammatory cell influx or increase in lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase or total protein in BALF. In conclusion, exposure to an ambient concentration of ozone induced airway hyperresponsiveness without airway inflammation in some highly inbred rat strains. Genetic factors are likely to account for the observed variability in sensitivity of the airways to ozone.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1999

Exhaled nitric oxide among pulpmill workers reporting gassing incidents involving ozone and chlorine dioxide.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether measurement of nitric oxide in exhaled air could be used for assessing the effects of irritants on the respiratory system, in this case recurrent ozone gassing in an occupational setting. The study population comprised bleachery workers (n=56) from a Swedish pulpmill carrying out ozone-based pulp bleaching since 1992 and controls (n=39). Both groups were investigated by measuring NO in exhaled air, methacholine challenge test and answers to a questionnaire concerning history of respiratory symptoms and accidental exposure to ozone peaks. There was no significant difference in NO output between exposed subjects and controls (median 67.2 versus 55.0 nL x min(-1), p=0.64). However, among bleachery workers reporting ozone gassings, the median NO output was 90.0 nL x min(-1) compared to 58.8 nL x min(-1) among those not reporting such incidents (p=0.019). There was no relation between exhaled NO and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms or bronchial hyperresponsiveness. In a multiple regression model, only reported ozone gassings were associated (p=0.016) with NO output. The results indicate an association between previous response to ozone gassing and nitric oxide output. The increased nitric oxide output among the bleachery workers reporting peak ozone exposure may indicate that chronic airway inflammation is present. Further studies are needed to evaluate the extent to which nitric oxide can be used for biological monitoring of respiratory health effects, and to relate it to other markers of airway inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Plants as indicators of urban air pollution (ozone and trace elements) in Pisa, Italy.

A biennial integrated survey, based on the use of vascular plants for the bioindication of the effects of tropospheric ozone, was performed in the area of Pisa (Tuscany, Central Italy). It also investigated the distribution of selected trace elements in plants and the data were compared with those obtained from the use of passive samplers, automatic analysers of ozone and lichen biodiversity. Photochemically produced ozone proved to be present during the warm season, with maximum hourly means surpassing 100 ppb: the use of supersensitive tobacco Bel-W3 confirmed the value of detailed, cost-effective, monitoring surveys. Trials with clover clones demonstrate that sensitive plants undergo severe biomass reduction in the current ozone regime. The mean NC-S (clover clone sensitive to ozone):NC-R (resistant) biomass ratio ranged from 0.7 (in 1999) to 0.5 (in 2000). The economic impact of these reductions deserves attention. The data obtained using passive ozone samplers exceeded those obtained using an automatic analyser. The mapping of epiphytic lichen biodiversity was not related to the geographical ozone distribution as can be seen from the tobacco's response. Lettuce plants grown under standardized conditions were used positively as bioaccumulators of trace elements: Pb was abundantly recovered, but a large portion of this element was removed by washing.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1987

Toxic effects of ozone on murine L929 fibroblasts. Enzyme inactivation and glutathione depletion.

Exposure of L929 murine fibroblasts to ozone resulted in K+ leakage and inhibition of several enzymes. Most sensitive to ozone exposure were glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase. The activities of another cytosolic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, the mitochondrial enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase and the activity of the lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were, initially, not or only slightly affected. The localization of the lysosomal enzymes did not change during ozone exposure. After prolonged exposure complete deterioration of the cells was observed and all enzyme activities declined. The activity of the enzymes was also monitored during ozone exposure of a sonicated cell suspension and it was shown that all these enzymes are in fact susceptible to ozone. These observations clearly demonstrate that, besides the structure and amino acid composition of an enzyme, the localization in the cell plays an important role in its susceptibility to ozone. The intracellular levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione were affected as well. The ATP content, however, proved to be insensitive to ozone exposure.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Growth parameters and resistance against Drechslera teres of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Scarlett) grown at elevated ozone and carbon dioxide concentrations.

Spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Scarlett) was grown at two CO2 levels (400 vs. 700 ppm) combined with two ozone regimes (ambient vs. double ambient) in climate chambers for four weeks, beginning at seedling emergence. Elevated CO2 concentration significantly increased aboveground biomass, root biomass, and tiller number, whereas double ambient ozone significantly decreased these parameters. These ozone-induced reductions in growth parameters were strongly overridden by 700 ppm CO2. The elevated CO2 level increased C : N ratio of the leaf tissue and leaf starch content but decreased leaf protein levels. Exposure to double ambient ozone did not affect protein content and C : N ratio but dramatically increased leaf starch levels at 700 ppm CO2. Resistance against Drechslera teres (Sacc.) Shoemaker was increased in leaves grown at double ambient ozone but was less obvious at 700 ppm than at 400 ppm CO2. Constitutive activities of beta-1,3-glucanase and chitinase were significantly higher in leaves grown at double ambient ozone compared to ambient ozone levels. The sum of methanol-soluble and alkali-released cell wall-bound aromatic metabolites (i.e., C-glycosylflavones and several structurally unidentified metabolites) and lignin contents did not show any treatment-dependent differences.

Ascomycota↗
PubMed2003

Impact of biogenic terpene emissions from Brassica napus on tropospheric ozone over Saxony (Germany): numerical investigation.

INTRODUCTION: The role of biogenic emissions in tropospheric ozone production is currently under discussion and major aspects are not well understood yet. This study aims towards the estimation of the influence of biogenic emissions on tropospheric ozone concentrations over Saxony in general and of biogenic emissions from brassica napus in special. MODELLING TOOLS: The studies are performed by utilizing a coupled numerical modelling system consisting of the meteorological model METRAS and the chemistry transport model MUSCAT. For the chemical part, the Euro-RADM algorithm is used. EMISSIONS: Anthropogenic and biogenic emissions are taken into account. The anthropogenic emissions are introduced by an emission inventory. Biogenic emissions, VOC and NO, are calculated within the chemical transport model MUSCAT at each time step and in each grid cell depending on land use type and on the temperature. The emissions of hydrocarbons from forest areas as well as biogenic NO especially from agricultural grounds are considered. Also terpene emissions from brassica napus fields are estimated. SIMULATION SETUP AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS: The simulations were performed over an area with an extension of 160 x 140 km2 which covers the main parts of Saxony and neighboring areas of Brandenburg, Sachsen-Anhalt and Thuringia. Summer smog with high ozone concentrations can be expected during high pressure conditions on hot summer days. Typical meteorological conditions for such cases were introduced in an conceptual way. RESULTS: It is estimated that biogenic emissions change tropospheric ozone concentrations in a noticeable way (up to 15% to 20%) and, therefore, should not be neglected in studies about tropospheric ozone. Emissions from brassica napus do have a moderate potential to enhance tropospheric ozone concentrations, but emissions are still under consideration and, therefore, results vary to a high degree. CONCLUSIONS: Summing up, the effect of brassica napus terpene emissions on ozone concentrations is noticeable, but not too pronounced. The results give a preliminary estimate on what the effect due to brassica napus emissions could be until better parameterizations can be derived from measurements.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2002

Increase in sunburns and photosensitivity disorders at the edge of the Antarctic ozone hole, southern Chile, 1986-2000.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 15 years Punta Arenas, Chile, a medium-sized city located on the extreme southern tip of South America, has repeatedly been exposed to acute, sudden episodes of highly increased levels of ultraviolet B (UVB) 280-320 nm radiation because of the passage of the spring Antarctic "Ozone Hole" overhead, or nearby. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to observe the relationship between episodes of ozone depletion, increased UVB radiation, and sunburns and photosensitivity disorders in Punta Arenas, Chile, during spring. METHODS: Incidence of photosensitivity disorders and sunburns was registered by dermatologists during each of the past 15 springs. Local data of sudden, severe ozone depletions (<250 Dobson units) and the corresponding increase of UVB radiation were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients with sunburn increased significantly during the austral spring of 1999 (P <.01). This was especially noticeable (29/31 cases) on weekends with ozone depletion, and increased UVB radiation (P <.01) occurred on the Sundays Oct 31, Nov 21, and Dec 5, 1999. The incidence of photosensitivity disorders, although statistically not significant, increased 51% over the past 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: An acute impact on human health (sunburn) occurred because of abrupt ozone depletion and the accompanying increase in UVB during the mid and late austral spring of 1999. Most sunburns (93.5%) occurred on weekends. Ozone levels as well as seasonal and recreational factors played a mayor role in the increase in sunburns. The increase in radiation at 300 nm, the most carcinogenic wavelength, on days under the Antarctic ozone hole is a matter of special concern.

Chile↗
PubMed2003

Environmental ozone effects in different population subgroups.

The study objective was to get more information on characteristics of ozone risk groups. We performed repeated (on average 16 times) lung function tests and interviews with 171 persons belonging to four different population subgroups (44 healthy children, 43 juvenile asthmatics, 43 athletes, and 41 elderly). The environmental half hour mean ozone concentrations ranged from 8 to 99 ppb. For two groups there was significant NO2 co-pollution. The asthmatics showed statistically significant ozone related increased ORs for eye irritations, the elderly for nose irritations. Significant lung function decrements (increase in ozone by 50 ppb) were found for asthmatics (FVC -4.3% afternoon one day lag, -4.9% afternoon two day lag, -3.6% morning one day lag) and children (FVC -3.2% same morning, PEF -11.9% same morning, PEF -4.6% morning one day lag). In the group of elderly, however, there were also some significant FVC and PEF increments. Ozone responders were found more often in the groups of asthmatics and children (21% resp. 18%) compared with elderly and athletes (both 5%). The results suggest that children and asthmatics have a higher risk of being ozone sensitive showing more ozone related acute lung function decrements than other population groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of activated carbon filters for removal of ozone at the PPB level.

Performance of filters for the removal of ozone at ambient concentration is characterized. The removal efficiency and pressure drop of 10 commercial filters--including 8 made of granule or powdered activated carbon, 1 activated carbon fiber filter, and 1 packed bed made of an ozone catalyst--were measured for an influent ozone concentration of 120 ppb at 50% relative humidity and 2.54 m/sec face velocity. Activated carbon filters can be very effective at ozone removal, although not indefinitely because chemical reactions of ozone and carbon change the carbon. Initial efficiencies of the 1.27-cm thick flat samples varied from 4.6 to 98.3%. Analysis of the structure and composition of the filters with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectrometry showed chemical reactions permanently changed the composition of the carbon and decreased the surface area. Consequently, removal efficiency decreased with use. Moreover, it was not feasible to regenerate the filters by simply removing them from ozone-laden air. Changes in relative humidity, from 20 to 80%, had no measurable effect on the performance of a granule activated carbon filter. However, because the rate of adsorption of water is faster and the pores are smaller in activated carbon fiber, efficiency of the fiber filter decreased when relative humidity was raised from 20 to 50%. A quality factor, equal to the ratio of a threshold breakthrough time and pressure drop, is used to compare filters. In general, those with higher carbon surface area per unit volume had higher efficiencies and greater pressure drops. Future work should address the removal of ozone in the presence of other gases.

Adsorption↗