Atmospheric biofilters for VOC and sulfide reduction

Industrial VOC biofilter from http://ecoverdetechnologies.com

While biological waste treatment usually focuses on water or soil, the technology can also be very useful for treatment of air. Biofilters containing biofilms can treat air as it passes for a number of compounds. The filters are designed to channel air over the media surface while also maintaining humidity and nutrients needed for microbial growth. Unlike wastewater, oxygen is abundant so microbial activity is aerobic. The biofilters can replace activated carbon and other physical/chemical adsorption systems.

Benefits to replacing adsorption systems include:

• No need consumption of carbon or chemicals
• Low energy use
• Minimal waste produced - organics converted to cells, carbon dioxide and water
• Highly stable once microbial population is established

So where can biological filters be used to control air emissions?

• Headworks or lift stations
• Enclosed chemical storage or manufacturing areas
• DAF, API, and other oil separation equipment
• Sludge dewatering/handling areas
• Petroleum storage tanks and compressor stations