Adsorption of Tolouene Air Pollutants by Bacterial Cellulose

Homogenous texture and strong network of bacterial cellulose indicate that it can be used as filter and adsorbent. In this research bacterial cellulose was produced by Acetobacter Xilinum. Bacterial cellulose was used for reduction of toluene vapors from the air. To measure adsorption capacity، 6 grams of bacterial cellulose in column glass with volume of 20 ml was used and concentration of 150 ppm of toluene vapors passed through the bed absorber. The air flow was 0. 2 ml / min at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. One gram of turgid and dried microbial cellulose in mesh 20 can adsorb (0. 95 mg) toluene vapors during 13 minutes and reach full saturation. Overall، although the bacterial cellulose in the same volume capacity was less than the activated carbon، its density was much less. Ability of bacterial cellulose by weight is higher than activated carbon to adsorb toluene vapors.