Advances in Hybrid Vapor Phase Biological Technology for the Treatment of Reduced Sulfur Compounds and Hydrogen Sulfide

Air pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide and reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) are a common by-product of wastewater collections and treatment. The transfer and processing of wastewater causes turbulent conditions which releases these odorous and corrosive compounds into the air. As development encroaches on wastewater treatment plants and pump stations, complaints from nearby residents and businesses are on the rise. In order to protect public health, quality of life and valuable investments in infrastructure, municipalities must develop strategies for controlling the release of these compounds. In recent years, the biological treatment of hydrogen sulfide and RSCs has become one of the primary methods for controlling odors and corrosion resulting from wastewater collections and treatment. The most common biological treatment technologies include biofilters and biotrickling filters. This presentation analyzes the unique features of each technology and introduces ways in which these biological treatment methods are now being combined into hybrid systems to improve performance and reduce life-cycle costs. A detailed analysis of multiple types of filtration media will be provided. Media types will be evaluated on such factors as cost, surface area, porosity and sourcing. An increased focus will be placed on recycled sources of filtration media. These types of media are in increased demand due to the favorable cost, availability and sustainability associated with them. Case studies will be presented comparing traditional and hybrid technologies on such metrics as odor removal efficiency, energy usage, filtration media type, water demand and nutrient addition requirements. Life-cycle analyses will be introduced to compare each technology on projected capital and operational costs. Operation and maintenance requirements for odor control systems vary widely and are often overlooked in the design process. Analyses of these requirements will be compared and presented as well. This presentation concludes with a survey of new innovations in biological odor treatment. Topics include microbiome DNA testing, smart controls and sustainable odor control systems.