Performance evaluation of a slow-release packing material-embedded functional microorganisms for biofiltration

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a common air pollutant requiring effective removal strategies.
• Biofiltration is a promising technology for H₂S abatement, relying on specialized packing materials.
• Existing packing materials often face limitations such as low efficiency, instability, or high operational costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel composite packing material (CM-5) for enhanced H₂S removal.
• To optimize the composition of CM-5 for improved physical and chemical properties.
• To evaluate the H₂S removal performance of CM-5 in biofilters compared to conventional materials.

Main Methods:

• Composite packing material (CM-5) prepared using compost, CaCO₃, perlite, cement, and plant fiber.
• Component mass ratios optimized via single-factor experiments to enhance compressive strength.
• H₂S removal capacity evaluated in three biofilters, comparing CM-5 with corncob and ceramsite.

Main Results:

• Optimized CM-5 composition achieved desired physical properties, including bulk density and moisture retention.
• CM-5 demonstrated significantly higher H₂S removal capacity than corncob and ceramsite.
• CM-5 maintained stable operation, avoiding significant pH and pressure drop fluctuations, with >95.4% removal efficiency at loading rates up to 11.3 g m⁻³ h⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite packing material (CM-5) is a highly effective medium for H₂S biofiltration.
• CM-5 offers superior performance, stability, and rapid recovery compared to organic and inorganic alternatives.
• This material presents a viable solution for efficient and sustainable H₂S pollution control.