Abstract
Biofiltration is a cost effective air pollution control technology for volatile organic compounds. Biofiltration of ethanol vapour from air stream was evaluated in this study. Experimental investigations were conducted on a laboratory scale biofilter, containing mixture of compost and polystyrene inert particles as the filter materials. Mixed consortium of activated sludge was used as a inoculum. The continuous performance of biofilter for ethanol removal was monitored for different concentrations and flow rates. The removal efficiencies decreased at higher concentrations and higher gas flow rates. A maximum elimination capacity of 195 g m−3 h−1 was achieved. The response of biofilter to shut down and restart-up operation showed that the biofilm has got a good stability.
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Received: 3 February 1999
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Arulneyam, D., Swaminathan, T. Biodegradation of ethanol vapour in a biofilter. Bioprocess Engineering 22, 63–67 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00009103
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00009103