Performance of Biotrickling Filter Inoculated with Activated Sludge for Chlorobenzene Removal

Abstract

Activated carbon fibers and multi-surface hollow balls were used to establish biotrickling filter (BTF), and the acclimated sludge was inoculated on surface of packing to purify waste gas containing chlorobenzene. The BTF performance was examined under different conditions in steady state. Results showed that the maximum removal efficiency (RE) could be reached under the condition of chlorobenzene initial concentration of 878.53–1522.48 mg· m-3 and the empty bed retention time (EBRT) of 56 s, while the average removal efficiency was 91.34%. EBRT of 45 s was determined appropriately, and the maximum chlorobenzene removal rate of 102.79 g·m-3·h had been achieved under the condition of chlorobenzene initial concentration of 920.36–2019.85 mg· m-3 and EBRT of 28 s. In the experiment, the BTF system ran stably and had no problem of reactor clogging.