Removal of odors and VOCs in municipal solid waste comprehensive treatment plants using a novel three-stage integrated biofilter: Performance and bioaerosol emissions

Abstract

A novel three-stage integrated biofilter (TSIBF) composed of acidophilic bacteria reaction segment (ABRS), fungal reaction segment (FRS) and heterotrophic bacteria reaction segment (HBRS) was constructed for the treatment of odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)from municipal solid waste (MSW) comprehensive treatment plants. The performance, counts of predominant microorganisms, and bioaerosol emissions of a full-scale TSIBF system were studied. High and stable removal efficiencies of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and VOCs could be achieved with the TSIBF system, and the emissions of culturable heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and acidophilic sulfur bacteria were relatively low. The removal efficiencies of different odors and VOCs, emissions of culturable microorganisms, and types of predominant microorganisms were different in the ABRS, FRS and HBRS due to the differences in reaction conditions and mass transfer in each segment. The emissions of bioaerosols from the TSIBF depended on the capture of microorganisms and their volatilization from the packing. The rational segmentation, filling of high-density packings and the accumulation of the predominant functional microorganisms in each segment enhanced the capture effect of the bioaerosols, thus reducing the emissions of microorganisms from the bioreactor.

Deodorisation of Ventilated Air from a Fat-Processing Plant Using Different Types of Biofilter Fillings and Membranes

“…Also, harmful compounds are transformed and the result is a secondary pollutant that must be treated during subsequent processes [17]. Within biological methods, biofilters have been successfully employed for odour and VOC treatment [18,19]. Biofiltration is part of the trend towards sustainable development in the field of biological odour neutralisation without using chemical reagents.…”

Bibliometrics and Knowledge Map Analysis of Research Progress on Biological Treatments for Volatile Organic Compounds

“…For instance, Zheng et al [82] discovered that the microbial community in bioreactors depends on the inlet load of pollutants and the characteristics of packing materials. Liu et al [83] constructed a novel three-stage biofilter composed of acidophilic bacteria, fungi, and heterotrophic bacteria, which could achieve high and stable removal of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and VOCs. With the advancement of biotechnology and new materials, the screening and cultivation of functional microorganisms and the development of 3D porous composites will be future research trends.…”

Odors Emitted from Biological Waste and Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Mini-Review

“…Application of biofilters as an alternative for odor abatement has been extensively reviewed in the past [84]; however, novel applications and opportunities are still arising [85]. Liu et al (2021) proposed recently a novel three-stage integrated biofilter combining an acidophilic bacterial-based section for S and N removal and fungal-based and heterotrophic bacteria-based sections for the treatment of organic odorants such as VOCs from MSW treatment facilities [86]. Stratification of the bed in different sections was demonstrated as a compact efficient alternative as previously proposed by other authors from a modeling point of view [87].…”