Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide from Water

Abstract

Problem statement: The concentration of H 2 S in groundwater is a significant problem in various areas across Canada. Hydrogen sulphide dissolves in ground water imparting undesirable taste and irritating rotten egg smell which makes it unpalatable. Ingestion of sulphides through drinking water can result in stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Humans exposed to high concentrations of H 2 S for prolonged periods show symptoms of gastro-intestinal upset, anorexia, nausea, somnolence, amnesia, loss of consciousness, delirium, hallucinations, difficulty in swallowing, low blood pressure, slowing of heart rate, double vision and epileptiform convulsions. Hydrogen sulphide in blood is rapidly oxidized by molecular oxygen and thus reduces the oxidation power of haemoglobin. Unoxidized hydrogen sulphide can act upon the central nervous system and cause either paralysis or respiratory failure. It is therefore, necessary to have a very low concentration of H 2 S in the water. Approach: An automatic system for the addition of KMnO 4 and removal of hydrogen sulphide from ground water was developed and tested. The system consisted of a freshwater tank, a pump, a chemical storage tank, a solenoid valve, a photocell and electronic circuit, a drainage tank, a filter and a set of valves. It was possible to use a photocell to detect the presence of excess KMnO 4 in the system and to control the addition of KMnO 4 into the system. Results: The system accomplished complete removal of hydrogen sulphide in the range of 1-30 ppm. The present system utilizes on/off control for the addition of the chemical. The amount of KMnO 4 needed as a percentage of the amount used was in the range of 5-28%. Conclusion: The photocell and circuit could be used to add an amount of chemical that is constantly proportional to the amount of hydrogen sulphide in the water. The control of a positive displacement chemical feed pump would be an ideal application for this system. The speed of the pump could be controlled in such a manner that would allow a very small excess amount of potassium permanganate to be maintained in the system.

A comparative biosorption study of sulfide (S-2) by using Lagenaria siceraria fruit based raw biosorbent

“…On large 52(4) 2017 310 scale H 2 S is removed by aeration by employing complex packed tower aerators, simple air diffusers and mechanical aeration devices in wastewater treatment plants (Murugananthan et al, 2004) (Murugananthan et al, 2004;Edwards et al, 2011;Tomar and Abdullah, 1994;Millero et al, 1989). Manganese (IV) Oxide (MnO 2 ) for oxidation of sulfides in wastewater has also been reported (Valeika et al, 2006).…”

Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide from Biogas by Activated Carbon Based on Borassus Aethiopum (Ivory Coast)

“…In addition, some researchers have recommended the removal of H2S at the beginning of the purification process because of the many possibilities that can affect the quality of biomethane production, cause corrosion of mechanical wear and tear and emit harmful substances. Thus, the removal of H2S and CO2 gases is done by several technologies, such as biological adsorption [7], chemical adsorption (washing with active liquids) [8], adsorption using a mesoporous material [9][10][11][12], etc. Activated carbon is commonly used for adsorption due to its high surface area, microporosity, thermal stability, high removal capacity and low cost compared to other mesoporous materials, such as zeolite, organic materials, porous silica and organic silica.…”

Remediation of Black Sea ecosystem through H2S decomposition in conventional catalytic converters and proton conducting solid oxide membrane reactors for “Green” H2 production

“…Apart from the contribution of H2S to its environmental degradation, the Black Sea faces many additional severe environmental issues that make it one of the most polluted, closed basins worldwide. During the last decades, the pollution caused by anthropogenic factors and natural causes, lead to adverse life conditions for the marine ecosystem (Edwards et al, 2011). Moreover, the extended water contamination poses health risks to the inhabitants and tourists of the area.…”