What is it about?

A compact trickle-bed bioreactor (CTBB) was tested for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) present in the exhaust air of a wastewater treatment plant. At gas-flow rates varying between 2.0 and 30.0 m3/h and for specific pollutant loads up to 20 g/(m3·h), removal efficiencies for H2S and VOC were >95%. The CTBB was designed for a maximum H2S concentration of ∼200 ppm and removal efficiencies >97% were noticed. VOC concentrations were in the range of 25–240 ppmv and the removal efficiency was in the range of 85–99%. Possible consequences of an excessive pollutant overload and the time required for regenerating the microbial activity and reviving stable process conditions in the CTBB were also investigated. An increase in the H2S concentration from 400 to 600 ppmv for a few hours caused bioreactor poisoning; however, when original H2S concentrations were restored, stable CTBB operation was ascertained within 3 h.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This research is important because it offers a practical and sustainable solution to a common problem in wastewater treatment plants: the emission of odours and polluting gases that affect both workers and nearby communities. What makes it unique is the application of a compact bioreactor capable of operating continuously under real conditions, combining high efficiency in the removal of contaminants with low energy consumption and without generating hazardous waste. Its approach integrates biotechnology and compact design, making it easier to install in small spaces and adapt to different contexts. This combination makes the proposal a ready-to-implement alternative with the potential to improve air quality and reduce the environmental impact of such facilities worldwide.

Perspectives

Writing this article was a particularly fulfilling experience because it gave me the opportunity to see how a concept we had worked on in the lab could be successfully implemented in a real, operational environment. Collaborating with my co-authors and industry partners allowed us to refine the design of the compact bioreactor and prove its effectiveness not just in theory, but in everyday conditions. For me, the most rewarding part was realising that a relatively simple biological system could make such a noticeable difference in air quality and community well-being. I hope this work encourages others to explore practical, nature-based solutions to environmental challenges that affect people’s daily lives.

Dr. Ramon Fernando Colmenares Quintero
Fundación Berstic and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Application of a compact trickle-bed bioreactor for the removal of odor and volatile organic compounds emitted from a wastewater treatment plant, Journal of Environmental Management, April 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.01.106.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page