Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal synthetic media biofiters

This paper reviews recent developments in biofiltration as a process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)from contaminated air using synthetic media. The paper includes results of extensive research, as well as data collected from a commercial biofilter installation at a municipal wastewater pumping station in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that, for H2S concentrations of up to 40 ppm inlet, only 30-second empty bed residence time (EBRT) is required. But, for lower concentrations(<12 ppm), 20-second EBRT is sufficient for complete elimination of H2S from airstreams using a synthetic media biofilter The collected data shows that varying concentrations and flow, resulting in shock-loading conditions, can be easily handled by a biofilter containing synthetic media. Furthermore, results show that biofilters can be operated under low (similar to2.0) and neutral pH conditions without introducing buffering chemicals into the media. Based on this research data, biofilters are designed and sold for a wide range of applications requiring removal of nuisance H2S compound from industrial and municipal air streams.