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

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Biophysics
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Droplet transmission poses a significant risk for spreading viral pathogens, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Effective methods for capturing and neutralizing airborne virus particles are crucial for public health.
• Existing technologies may have limitations in efficiency or scalability for widespread application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simple electrostatic apparatus for precipitating virus-sized particles from airborne droplets and aerosols.
• To model the effectiveness of the apparatus using bacteriophage φ6 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2.
• To assess the potential of the system for sterilizing captured viral particles.

Main Methods:

• An electrostatic apparatus was designed using a spiked, perforated stainless plate (S-PSP) connected to a DC voltage source and a grounded water vessel (G-water).
• An electric field was generated between the S-PSP and G-water, producing ionic wind and negative ions.
• Bacteriophage-containing mist was introduced into the electric field, where particles were ionized and attracted to the G-water.

Main Results:

• The apparatus efficiently captured phage-containing mist particles comparable in size to respiratory droplets and aerosols.
• Capture efficiency was independent of the phage concentration in the mist.
• Captured bacteriophages were successfully inactivated using ozone bubbling.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrostatic system demonstrates significant potential for eliminating airborne viral pathogens.
• This technology offers an effective strategy for mitigating droplet-mediated transmission of viruses in public environments.
• The study provides a foundation for scalable solutions to enhance air safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.