Good Biofilters Make Good Neighbors/The experiences of three facilities offer insights into evaluating biofiltration to control odors

摘要

Municipal wastewater collection and treatment facilities increasingly are being asked to become better neighbors by controlling any offensive odors from their operations. Improved odor-control methods employing new types of biological filtration systems, or biofilters, offer municipalities a more cost-effective and less maintenance-intensive weapon to combat odors. At the same time, biofilters can reduce a facility's need for hazardous chemicals, making it an attractive technology from an environmental standpoint as well. This article presents three case studies of utilities conducting the basic steps of tackling odor-related problems: identifying the source of odors, pilot-testing possible approaches, and procuring a solution. (908,000 m~3/d), the project team decided to evaluate each unit process at the WWTP in an attempt to locate odor sources. Based on discussions with the facility owner concerning the advantages and disadvantages of various odor-control technologies available at the time, biofilters and packed-bed scrubbers were evaluated for use at the facility.