Advances in the biological removal of sulphides from aqueous phase in anaerobic processes: A review

Abstract

In this paper, we review the latest developments in biological methods used in the removal of hydrogen sulphide, present in the liquid phase in anaerobic reactors. The toxicity of H2S to methane-forming microorganisms and the problems caused by the presence of this compound in the biogas generated during this process, as well as the main causes of hydrogen sulphide generation in anaerobic processes of wastes are also reviewed. We especially discuss the fundamentals in applying micro-aerobic conditions to remove dissolved hydrogen sulphide from the aqueous phase of an anaerobic reactor. The alternative technology of simultaneous removal of sulphide, nitrate, and organic matter is under recent investigation. Therefore, this review paper includes a study and analysis of the microbiological basis of this technology, the physical and chemical factors that influence the process and the potential application of this technology on different types of wastewaters and situations. Also considered are the fundamentals of both biofilm reactors and microbial fuel cells desulphurization. Because relatively few studies on modeling desulphurisation processes are available, we discuss the advances made in that area.

A review on prospects and challenges of biological H2S removal from biogas with focus on biotrickling filtration and microaerobic desulfurization

“…Although being less expensive than oxygen, the use of air can dilute the calorific value of the biogas due to its nitrogen content. This has been confirmed by the findings of a number of research works indicating similar removal efficiencies using both oxygen and air, while also recording slightly lowered methane concentration in the biogas using air (Díaz et al, 2011a;Guerrero et al, 2015). However, the diluted biogas can still be used in combustion engines (Porpatham et al, 2008).…”

Power recovery coupled with sulfide and nitrate removal in separate chambers using a microbial fuel cell

“…As for the cathodic CE calculation, n is 5 assuming nitrate reduction to N 2 , and C is the concentration difference between the influent nitrate and the effluent nitrate (g N/L). As for the anodic CE calculation, it assumed that S 2− was firstly oxidized to S and further oxidized to SO 4 2− , hence n· C = n 1 · C 1 + n 2 · C 2 . Where n 1 is 2, C 1 is the concentration difference between the influent S 2− and the effluent S 2− (g S/L), n 2 is 6, and C 2 is the concentration of produced SO 4 2− (g S/L).…”

“…MFC have been widely reported to remove organic pollutants coupled with power recovery from various types of wastewaters [2]. Aside from organic matter, other pollutants such as nitrogenous compounds and sulfurous compounds in some wastewater could be removed using a MFC [3,4].…”

“…Theoretically, sulfide and nitrate separately using as an anodic electron donor and a cathodic electron acceptor would allow power generation in a single MFC according to equation (1)(2)(3)(4). In comparison to both sulfide and nitrate being fed to the anode chamber of a MFC equipped with an abiotic cathode [10,11], sulfide and nitrate being separately fed to the anode and cathode chambers would favor power recovery through averting electron consumption by nitrate in the anode chamber.…”

Eco-friendly Industrial wastewater treatment: Potential of mesophilic bacterium, Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 49128) for hydrogen sulfide oxidation

“…The classical approach to sulfide removal recorded some tremendous successes, albeit was associated with some set of drawbacks, such as high energy requirements, huge capital investment for handling and maintenance as well as production of secondary pollution [3][4][5][6].…”