Formaldehyde-Degrading Bacteria R1 Is Effective in Removing HCHO from the Air in an Indoor Environment

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a widespread air pollutant in the indoor environment. Previous studies have shown that some bacteria have potential application to remove indoor HCHO. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Methylobacterium sp. strain R1 (S-R1) in removing formaldehyde (HCHO) from indoor air using biofilters. Three experiments confirmed S-R1’s ability to degrade HCHO in the air, with ¹³C-NMR analysis revealing its involvement in the metabolic process. Optimal biofilter parameters, including 35 sponge layers, 30% humidity, and 9.50 m³/min air flow, resulted in a removal efficiency of up to 90% and an elimination capability of 24111-27000 μg/(m³∗h) during a 60-minute test period. Long-term (31-day) operation of the biofilter with the optimal parameters effectively reduced HCHO levels from 1.60 mg/m³ to 0.02-0.03 mg/m³, below China’s national standard, and maintained this level. Fluorescence microscope observation and downstream gas detection revealed stable S-R1 cell numbers and no bacterial leakage, respectively. Two conclusions can be drawn: (1) S-R1 is effective in removing HCHO in polluted air and (2) with optimum parameters, the S-R1 biofilter is engineering effective in purifying the indoor air environment.