Aims:
To evaluate the real-life effect of photocatalytic surfaces on the air quality at two test-sites in Denmark.
Background:
Poor air quality is today one of the largest environmental issues, due to the adverse effects on human health
associated with high levels of air pollution, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and lung cancer.
NOx removal by TiO2 based photocatalysis is a tool to improve air quality locally in areas where people are exposed.
Methods:
Two test sites were constructed in Roskilde and Copenhage airport. In Roskilde, the existing asphalt at two
parking lots was treated with TiO2 containing liquid and an in-situ ISO 22197-1 test setup was developed to enable in-situ
evaluation of the activity of the asphalt. In CPH airport, photocatalytic concrete tiles were installed at the "kiss and fly"
parking lot, and NOx levels were continuously monitored in 0.5 m by CLD at the active site and a comparable reference
site before and after installation for a period of 2 years.
Results:
The Roskilde showed high stability of the photocatalytic coating with the activity being largely unchanged over a
period of 2 years. The CPH airport study showed that the average NOx levels were decreased by 12 % comparing the
before and after NOx concentrations at the active and reference site.
Conclusion:
The joined results of the two Danish demonstration projects illustrate a high stability of the photocatalytic
coating as well as a high potential for improvements of the real-life air quality in polluted areas.