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Related Experiment Videos

Polyurethane foam based biofilter media for toluene removal.

W M Moe1, R L Irvine

  • 1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6405, USA.

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
|July 11, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Polyurethane foam effectively supports biofilms for degrading toluene in gas-phase biofilters. This novel medium prevents nutrient limitations and biosolid accumulation, achieving over 99% removal efficiency.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Gas-phase biofiltration is a promising technology for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal.
  • Conventional biofilter media often face challenges like nutrient limitations and biosolid accumulation.
  • Developing stable and efficient support media is crucial for biofilter performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate polyurethane foam as a novel solid support medium for gas-phase biofilters.
  • To assess the physical and chemical characteristics of the polyurethane foam.
  • To determine the efficacy of polyurethane foam in degrading toluene and preventing common biofilter operational issues.

Main Methods:

  • Polyurethane foam was manufactured and characterized for porosity, pore size, density, and water sorption.

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  • A laboratory-scale biofilter utilizing polyurethane foam was operated for over 250 days.
  • The biofilter was fed a model waste stream containing toluene at varying empty bed residence times (EBRTs).

    • Main Results:

    • The polyurethane foam exhibited favorable physical properties, including high porosity, suitable pore size, low density, and good water sorption.
    • The biofilter achieved over 99% removal of influent toluene at a concentration of 200 ppm.
    • An optimized operating strategy successfully mitigated nutrient limitations and biosolid accumulation.

    Conclusions:

    • Polyurethane foam is a highly suitable medium for gas-phase biofilters, supporting robust biofilm activity.
    • The developed operating strategy enhances biofilter longevity and efficiency.
    • This research offers a viable solution for VOC abatement using advanced biofiltration technology.