Evaluation of trickle-bed air biofilter performance for styrene removal

• Published in: Water research (Oxford) Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 1593 - 1603
• Main Authors: Sorial, George A., Smith, Francis L., Suidan, Makram T., Pandit, Amit, Biswas, Pratim, Brenner, Richard C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.03.1998; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; backwashing; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of gaseous effluents; biomass; Biotechnology; EBRT; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General processes of purification and dust removal; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; loading; media; phosphorous; pilot-scale; Pollution; Prevention and purification methods; styrene; TBAB; biomass; TBAB; backwashing; pilot-scale; media; loading; phosphorous; styrene; EBRT; Pilot plant; Filtration; Residence time; Phosphorus; Volatile organic compound; Washing; Biomass; Countercurrent flow; Trickling filter; Biological purification; Styrene; Nutrient; Aromatic compound; Biofilter; Performance; Flue gas purification
• ISSN: 0043-1354; 1879-2448
• DOI: 10.1016/S0043-1354(97)00355-2

A pilot-scale trickle-bed air biofilter (TBAB) was evaluated for the removal of styrene from a waste gas stream. Six-millimeter (6-mm) Celite pellets (R-635) were used as the biological attachment medium. The operating parameters considered in the study included the styrene volumetric loading, the empty-bed residence time (EBRT), the frequency and duration of backwashing, and nutrient–phosphorous (nutrient–P) management as a biomass control strategy. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that high removal efficiencies could be sustained over a long period. Periodic backwashing of the biofilter with full-medium fluidization was necessary for removing excess biomass and attaining stable, long-term high removal efficiencies. Styrene removal efficiencies in the 99%+ level were achieved for volumetric loading rates up to 2.93 kg COD/m 3·day and a 1-min EBRT. With a COD volumetric loading rate of 4.26 kg COD/m 3·day and a 0.67-min EBRT, removal efficiencies in the 97–99% level were achieved. Evaluations of pseudo steady-state performance data, 1 day following backwashing, yielded first order removal rate constants that were dependent on EBRT. Nutrient–phosphorus (nutrient–P) limitations failed to provide a strategy for biomass control while at the same time maintaining acceptable performance.