Comparing the Performance of Biological Systems in Removal of Odor from Municipal Wastewater Facilities (Case Study)

Nowadays, biofiltration has become a widely used technology for the removal of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) which is one of the major odor-causing gases present in the air streams of municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
In this study, a biofilter pilot plant consisting of composts and woodchip as a bed (with a weight ratio of 5:1 for compost: woodchip) and a biotrickling filter with synthesis bed was made to compare the performance of the systems under real condition. Time duration for the pilot operation was 75 days during which the input and output H2S gas concentrations were measured. The systems were operated at ambient temperature, and it was attempted to operate them under desired conditions.
Findings: The results showed that concentration of H2S gas emitted from the pumping station during 24 hours was very variable and was in the range of 0 and 48 ppm. Evaluation of all performance parameters (removal efficiency, elimination rate, etc.) indicated that the performance of biofilter systems for the removal of odor emitted from municipal wastewater facilities, in range of 0-50 ppm of H2S, was more appropriate than that of biotrickling filter systems.
Therefore, the use of biofilter for H2S gas removal from the municipal wastewater facilities is recommended.