Title: Compost biofiltration: an effective biological treatment system for treating volatile organic compounds from waste gas emissions

Authors: Eldon R. Rene; D.V.S. Murthy; T. Swaminathan

Addresses: Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of La Coruña, Rua da Fraga 10, 15008, La Coruña, Spain ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai – 600036, India ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai – 600036, India

Abstract: Biofiltration, a simple technique involving microorganisms supported on a solid matrix, offers an attractive solution for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The removal of benzene, toluene and xylene (model VOCs) in vapour phase has been compared individually in the present study using three biofilters. These biofilters were operated at different flow rates and concentrations (<2.7g m−3), to achieve different loading rates of these pollutants. Removal efficiencies greater than 80% for toluene and between 70-82% for benzene and xylene, respectively, were obtained. The maximum VOC elimination capacity in the biofilter ranged between 52-107g m−3 h−1 for benzene, toluene or xylene under the tested condition. High removal efficiencies over the entire range of operating conditions proved the effectiveness and reliability of the biofilter for industrial applications.

Keywords: biofilters; compost biofiltration; composting; biological treatment systems; waste gas emissions; volatile organic compounds; VOCs; VOC removal; performance; elimination capacity; benzene; toluene; xylene.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2013.056629

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2013 Vol.5 No.4, pp.339 - 350

Received: 01 Apr 2009
Accepted: 28 Sep 2009

Published online: 07 Nov 2013 *

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