Hydrogen sulfide removal from air by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans in a trickle bed reactor

A strain of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans immobilized in polyurethane foam was utilized for H2S removal in a bench-scale trickle-bed reactor, testing the limits of acidity and SO4 (2-) accumulation. The use of this acidophilic strain resulted in remarkable stability in the performance of the system. The reactor maintained a > 98-99 % H2S removal efficiency for c of up to 66 ppmv and empty bed residence time a parts per thousand currency sign12-15 s. Removal of > 98 % H2S was achieved under steady-state conditions, over the pH range of 0.44-7.30. Despite the accumulation of acidity and SO4 (2-) (up to 97 g/L), the system operated without inhibition.