REMOVAL OF BENZENE AND ETHYLENE AS ODOR COMPOUNDS

The main objective of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of gaseous benzene and ethylene in biofilters filled with granular activated carbon. In addition, calculations of the maximum elimination capacity and carbon mass balance were investigated. As results of study, the benzene biofilter was capable of achieving benzene removal efficiency as much as 96% at a residence time of 2 min and an inlet concentration of 220 ppm. During operation with an inlet benzene of 220 ppm, the maximum elimination capacity of the biofilter was 483 g of C6H6 m−3 day−1. The ethylene biofilter was capable of achieving ethylene removal efficiency as much as 100% at a residence time of 14 min and an inlet concentration of 290 ppm. During operation with an inlet ethylene of 290 ppm, the maximum elimination capacity of the biofilter was 34 g of C2H4 m−3 day−1. For the removal of mixed compounds, about 52□96% of ethylene was degraded at residence times of 2□10 min, whereas complete removal of benzene was obtained. The biofilter could provide an attractive treatment technology for removing individual and mixed benzene and ethylene.