Literature review of air pollution control biofilters and biotrickling filters for odor and volatile organic compound removal

TLDR

The study compares the feasibility of biofilters and biotrickling filters for treating complex odorous waste air containing hydrogen sulfide, reduced sulfur compounds, and chlorinated or nonchlorinated VOCs. The authors reviewed roughly 40 pilot‑plant and full‑scale studies, summarizing reactor designs and pollutant removal efficiencies in tables to provide a comparative perspective on current practice. Both technologies achieve high H₂S and odor removal, but VOC removal is generally lower, indicating that effective treatment requires design and operation to prioritize VOC removal as the rate‑limiting step, while also reducing overall toxicity and carcinogenicity. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Environmental Progress, 2005.

Abstract

Abstract A literature study was conducted to compare the feasibility of biofilters and biotrickling filters for the treatment of complex odorous waste air containing hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), organic reduced sulfur compounds, and chlorinated and nonchlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). About 40 pilot‐plant studies and full‐scale applications at wastewater treatment plants and other facilities were reviewed. Reactor design and pollutant removal efficiencies were summarized in tables for easy reference and for a perspective on the current state of the art, and to allow comparison between different projects. The survey indicated that both biofilters and biotrickling filters are capable of combining a high H 2 S and odor removal efficiency with VOC removal. Apart from odor abatement, biological treatment therefore holds promise for reducing the overall toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of VOC‐containing odorous waste air from wastewater treatment plants and other facilities. VOC removal efficiencies were in general lower than those of H 2 S and odor, although concentrations of individual VOC species were relatively low. This indicates that for effective treatment of VOC‐containing odorous waste air, the design and operation should emphasize VOC removal as the rate‐limiting parameter. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005