Peat Biofiltration as an Odour Control Technology for Sulphur‐Based Odours

Abstract

Abstract Due to their low odour thresholds and common occurrence in sewage‐treatment operations, volatile sulphur compounds are generally considered to be the most significant malodorants at sewage‐treatment works. Biofiltration is an odour‐control technology which has proven success in industrial and agricultural applications, and in more recent years has been applied in the water industry. Experiments were carried out using a test rig to measure the removal efficiencies of hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan, when passed through peat‐based materials, under a range of environmental conditions. Temperature, gas loading rate and inoculation with sulphur oxidizing bacteria were all found to significantly affect performance. Removal rates of over 99% of hydrogen sulphide, and 95% methyl mercaptan were achieved. Investigations of full‐scale installations at sewage‐treatment works supported the experimental results.