Adsorbent comparisons for anesthetic gas capture in hospital air emissions

ABSTRACT

For the development of emission control strategies, activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieves, and a silica gel were tested for adsorption of the newer anesthetic gases isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane from air. The activated carbon Norit GCA 48 was selected for the best performance, and adsorption isotherms at room temperature were developed for the three anesthetics. Equilibrium capacities for this carbon were in the range of 500 to 1,000 mg g⁻¹ for these anesthetics at partial pressures ranging from 5 to 45 Torr, with the most volatile compound (desflurane) showing the least favorable adsorption. Activated carbons are therefore suggested for use as effective adsorbents in emission control of these anesthetic gases from hospitals.

KEYWORDS:

• Anesthetics
• adsorption
• isotherm
• adsorbent
• isoflurane
• sevoflurane and desflurane
• greenhouse gases

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the suggestions and activated carbon samples provided by Cabot Norit Activated Carbon Americas, Marshall, Texas.

Funding

Portions of the research were funded by grants from MITACS, the Ontario Centres of Excellence, and Canada Connect.