MATTHEI
PARTICULATE MATTER REDUCTION
Osorno, Los Lagos Region, Chile
Adolfo Matthei Agricultural Professional Institute
Client's needs
The Adolfo Matthei Agricultural Professional Institute needed to continue operating its biomass boiler at the El Castillo Production and Training Center while remaining true to its educational mission, agricultural heritage, and environmental commitment. In a region historically affected by high levels of air pollution during winter, the challenge was to reduce particulate matter emissions and comply with current environmental regulations without abandoning biomass as an energy source or disrupting the institute's academic and production activities.
Previous measurements showed particulate matter emissions of 167.4 mg/Nm³, approaching a critical threshold for a city subject to an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan. This made it essential to implement a robust, measurable, and educational solution.
Filtrovivo Solution
We designed and implemented a Filtrovivo® plant-based biofiltration system connected to the biomass boiler, tailored to the facility's actual airflow, temperature, and operating conditions.
The system integrates:
A visible, accessible biophilic vertical garden integrated into the campus.,
Living biofiltration using plant-based substrates and microorganisms.,
Jardín vertical biofílico visible y habitable, integrado al campus.
Beyond its role as environmental infrastructure, the solution also serves as an active educational tool. Students participated in the planting and maintenance stages, incorporating the system into hands-on sustainability education.
72.9% reduction in particulate matter emissions, decreasing from 167.4 mg/Nm³ (2022) to 45.3 mg/Nm³.
Compliance with the Osorno Atmospheric Decontamination Plan's emission limit (≤ 50 mg/Nm³).
Continuous boiler operation without disrupting production activities.
Meaningful educational integration through direct student participation.
Improvement of the surrounding environment through a living green façade that visibly reflects the institute's commitment to sustainability.
Results
