H₂S Emissions from a Submerged Pilot‐Scale Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactor

Abstract

A study was performed in two submerged, pilot-scale biofilm bioreactors operated under different conditions to determine the relationship between the operating parameters and H 2 S emission. H 2 S was always detected in the exhaust air at concentrations varying from 1 to 353 ppm v . The specific aeration rate was the most influencing parameter, with As < 30 m 3 air kg COD t À1 (dissolved oxygen concentrations <4 mg L À1 )increasing noticeably the H 2 S production. The periodical removal of the accumulated sludge reduced H 2 S emissions by $14%.