Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:39
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Performance evaluation of a wood-chip based biofilter using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass
Lide Chen1, Steven J Hoff, Jacek A Koziel
1Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|May 6, 2008
Summary
This study tested wood chip biofilters for swine odor control, finding they significantly reduce key odor compounds. Proper moisture content proved more critical than media depth or residence time for effective biofiltration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Odor Control Technology
Background:
- Swine facilities generate significant odor emissions, impacting local communities and air quality.
- Deep-pit swine finishing operations are a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to odor.
- Effective odor management strategies are crucial for sustainable livestock production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a pilot-scale mobile biofilter using two wood chip media for treating swine odor.
- To identify key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for swine odor and assess their reduction by biofiltration.
- To determine the impact of operational parameters, such as empty bed residence time (EBRT) and media type, on biofilter performance.
Main Methods:
- A mobile biofilter system was operated for 13 weeks using western cedar and hardwood chips.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were extracted using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers.
- Compound analysis was performed using multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (MDGC-MS-O).
- Biofilters were subjected to variable air flow rates, resulting in EBRTs from 1.6 to 7.3 seconds.
Main Results:
- Both western cedar and hardwood biofilters significantly reduced p-cresol, phenol, indole, and skatole.
- These reduced compounds are major contributors to the characteristic odor of swine facilities.
- Optimal moisture content was identified as a critical factor for successful biofilter operation.
- Media depth and residence time were found to be less critical than moisture content.
Conclusions:
- Wood chip biofilters are effective in reducing key odor-causing VOCs from swine operations.
- Maintaining adequate moisture content is paramount for the performance of wood-chip based biofilters.
- Mobile biofilter technology offers a viable solution for managing odor emissions in deep-pit swine facilities.
