A Simple Electrostatic Precipitator for Trapping Virus Particles Spread via Droplet Transmission

Koji Kakutani, Yoshinori Matsuda, Teruo Nonomura, Yoshihiro Takikawa, Takeshi Takami and Hideyoshi Toyoda
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Koji Kakutani: Pharmaceutical Research and Technology Institute, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
Yoshinori Matsuda: Laboratory of Phytoprotection Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan
Teruo Nonomura: Laboratory of Phytoprotection Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara 631-8505, Japan
Yoshihiro Takikawa: Plant Center, Institute of Advanced Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama 642-0017, Japan
Takeshi Takami: Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Jingumae, Nara 634-0804, Japan
Hideyoshi Toyoda: Research Association of Electric Field Screen Supporters, Nara 631-8505, Japan

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a simple electrostatic apparatus to precipitate virus particles spread via droplet transmission, which is especially significant in the context of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The bacteriophage ?6 of Pseudomonas syringae was used as a model of the COVID-19 virus because of its similar structure and safety in experiments. The apparatus consisted of a spiked, perforated stainless plate (S-PSP) linked to a direct-current voltage generator to supply negative charge to the spike tips and a vessel with water (G-water) linked to a ground line. The S-PSP and G-water surface were paralleled at a definite interval. Negative charge supplied to the spike tips positively polarised the G-water by electrostatic induction to form an electric field between them in which ionic wind and negative ions were generated. Bacteriophage-containing water was atomised with a nebuliser and introduced into the electric field. The mist particles were ionised by the negative ions and attracted to the opposite pole (G-water). This apparatus demonstrated a prominent ability to capture phage-containing mist particles of the same sizes as respiratory droplets and aerosols regardless of the phage concentration of the mist particles. The trapped phages were successfully sterilised using ozone bubbling. Thus, the present study provides an effective system for eliminating droplet transmission of viral pathogens from public spaces.

Keywords: COVID-19 virus; bacteriophage ?6; electric field; negative ions; ionic wind; respiratory droplet; aerosol; FITC; ozone bubbling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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