When 'Green' Really Isn’t Greenest: A Design Employing Inorganic Biofilter Media Restores Confidence and Advances Biofilter Technology, While Saving Cost and Energy

摘要

Bark media biofilters are commonly used to treat wastewater odors. Using bark appears to be a“green” technology as it is not only an organic media, but also may be recycled for landscapeuse. Despite these apparent advantages, and its initial low cost, bark-chips present challengeswhen designing an effective biofilter for long-term use. This manuscript explores the challengesassociated with bark-chip media, and the advantages associated with switching to an inorganicmedia.This manuscript describes a project in which inorganic media was found to be the most effectiveway to meet objectives:Eliminate odor complaintsSecure owner acceptance for innovative approachExpand capacityBuild sustainablyMinimize costThe project involved sampling odors, designing an effective odor control system, restoringconfidence in biofiltration, demonstrating performance, and responsibly applying newertechnology. The project also includes the evaluation and selection of covers for primaryclarifiers and a vactor truck dumping station.