Construction of air purification system with peanut shell

Construction of air purification system with peanut shell

A team of researchers from the National University of Mexico and the Advanced Studies Research Center, led by biotechnologist Raul Pinda Olmado, created an air purifier using a peanut shell.

This biofilter actually relies on microorganisms such as the fungus Fusarium and the bacterium Brevibacterium, which usually grow in peanut shells. These microbes take in toxic compounds and convert them into carbon dioxide and water.

It takes about 28 days for an efficient amount of these organisms to reside in one of these filters.

In addition, the hollow structure of these shells maximizes their surface area for more air contact and, like other filtering materials, traps airborne particles such as dust and smoke particles.

So far, a prototype similar to a kitchen hood has been developed, and we hope that this technology can be used in a wide range of air filters. The university is commercializing this innovation.

Peanut shells can also be used to make natural colors.