Biofiltration: An Innovative Air Pollution Control Technology For VOC Emissions

Abstract

Biofiltration is a relatively recent air pollution control (APC) technology in which off-gases containing biodegradable volatile organic compounds (VOC) or inorganic air toxics are vented through a biologically active material. This technology has been successfully applied in Germany and The Netherlands in many full-scale applications to control odors, VOC and air toxic emissions from a wide range of industrial and public sector sources. Control efficiencies of more than 90 percent have been achieved for many common air pollutants. Due to lower operating costs, biofiltration can provide significant economic advantages over other APC technologies if applied to off-gases that contain readily biodegradable pollutants in low concentrations. Environmental benefits include low energy requirements and the avoidance of cross media transfer of pollutants. This paper reviews the history and current status of biofiltration, outlines its underlying scientific and engineering principles, and discusses the applicability of biofilters for a wide range of specific emission sources.

Biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons in a compost biofilter

“…However, excessive concentrations of refractory compounds with low biodegradability can adversely affect the metabolic activities of the microbial population. 10 As such, a gradual increase during the initial phases of reactor operation is essential for proper microbial growth and development.…”

Regular Transient Loading Response in a Vapor-Phase Flow-Direction-Switching Biofilter

“…Correspondingly, off-gas characteristics from manufacturing and commercial operations will typically vary with time due to changes in processes, shut downs, shift changes, and spills. The performance of biofilters subject to transient loadings have been studied by a number of researchers ͑Al- Rayes et al 2001;Campbell and Connor 1997;Damborsky et al 1999;Deshusses 1995;Deshusses et al 1995Deshusses et al , 1996Deshusses et al , 2001DirkFaitakis and Allen 1998;Ergas et al 1995a, b;Hodge and Divinney 1995;Irvine and Moe 2001;Kinney 1996;Kirchner et al 1994; Leson and Winer 1991;Marek et al 2000;Martin and Loehr 1996;Métris et al 2001;Moe and Irvine 2001;Mysliwiec et al 2001;Park and Kinney 2001;Parks and Loehr 1994;Schroeder et al 2000;Schroeder 2002;Seed and Corsi 1994;Shi et al 1995;Kinney 2000, 2001;South Coast Air Quality Management District 1994;Tang et al 1995;Tang and Hwang 1997;Tonga and Frisch 1993;Weber and Hartmans 1995;Woertz et al 2001;Wright 2004;Wright et al 1997. However, more information is needed because the relationship between transient loadings and biofilter response remains poorly understood ͑Deshusses 1995; Deshusses et al 1996;Irvine and Moe 2001;…”

Long-Term Operation of a Biofilter for Simultaneous Removal of H2S and NH3

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] It is known to have low capital and operating costs, low energy requirements, and the absence of residual products requiring further treatment or disposal, especially when applied to dilute and easily biodegradable waste gases under appropriate sets of conditions. 2,9 The suitability and performance of biological methods for the treatment of a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds has been proven recently. 11 Simultaneous removal of H 2 S and NH 3 has great potential, and more research is required to treat multicomponent odorous gases.…”

“…Considerable concentrations of H 2 S and NH 3 are released from industrial processes such as petrochemical plants, food preparation, wastewater treatment, landfills for waste disposal, livestock farming, and paper manufacturing. [1][2][3] The control of these gases is important not only for public health and safety but also for environmental protection. 1,2,4 In particular, H 2 S is able to damage the structure of pipes because of oxidative generation of H 2 SO 4 .…”

“…[1][2][3] The control of these gases is important not only for public health and safety but also for environmental protection. 1,2,4 In particular, H 2 S is able to damage the structure of pipes because of oxidative generation of H 2 SO 4 . 5 In addition to conventional technologies such as adsorption, scrubbing, condensation, and chemical oxidation for the treatment of odorous gases, 6 -9 biofiltration has emerged as a new technology over the past two decades.…”