Comparison of Organic and Inorganic Carriers in Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide in Biofilters

Abstract

Two organic and two inorganic carriers were compared with regard to the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in a biofilter inoculated with night soil sludge. By gradually increasing the inlet load of H2S, the complete removal capacity and maximum removal capacity of H2S for each carrier were estimated. Both values were higher for organic carriers. By using a kinetic analysis, the maximum removal rate of H2S, Vm, and the saturation constant, Ks, were determined for all carriers. By using the kinetic parameters, the removal rates for H2S were compared among the four carriers, and organic carriers showed better performance for the removal of H2S in the inlet concentration range of 0–200 ppm.