Enhancement of Indoor Air Quality Using Portable Air Purifiers with UV-C Sterilization

Abstract

Air pollution caused by airborne microorganisms—including viruses, bacteria, and fungi—poses significant risks to human health, extending beyond the well-known effects of particulate matter (PM2.5). Conventional air purifiers are mainly designed to capture fine particles, but recent global health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the importance of technologies that also deactivate harmful pathogens. This study reviews common indoor pollutants, their associated health impacts, and current purification strategies, while presenting a newly developed portable air purification unit that integrates mechanical filtration with UV-C sterilization. Comparative tests using HEPA filters and standard filters combined with UV-C light showed a marked improvement in eliminating and neutralizing airborne pathogens. To enhance environmental tracking, the system employs an Arduino ESP32 Nano paired with a DHT22 sensor for temperature and humidity monitoring, with data displayed on an I2C LCD module. The design incorporates simple jumper wiring for secure connections and easy assembly. A supporting literature review on portable air purifiers (PAPs) revealed substantial PM2.5 reductions (22.6%–92.0%) across diverse indoor settings such as homes, schools, and workplaces, with reported benefits including better respiratory health and reduced blood pressure, though outcomes varied. Collectively, the findings highlight the potential of combining HEPA filtration, UV-C sterilization, and real-time monitoring to improve indoor air quality and safeguard public health.