Literature Review of Air Pollution Control Biofilters and Biotrickling Filters for Odor and Volatile Organic Compound Removal

摘要

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_2S), 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_2S 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_2S 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.