H sub(2)S and volatile fatty acids elimination by biofiltration: Clean-up process for biogas potential use

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2009-04, Vol.163 (2-3), p.1272-1281
• Main Authors: Ramirez-Saenz, D, Zarate-Segura, P B, Guerrero-Barajas, C, Garcia-Pena, E I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0304-3894
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.07.129

In the present work, the main objective was to evaluate a biofiltration system for removing hydrogen sulfide (H sub(2)S) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) contained in a gaseous stream from an anaerobic digestor (AD). The elimination of these compounds allowed the potential use of biogas while maintaining the methane (CH sub(4)) content throughout the process. The biodegradation of H sub(2)S was determined in the lava rock biofilter under two different empty bed residence times (EBRT). Inlet loadings lower than 200g/m super(3)h at an EBRT of 81s yielded a complete removal, attaining an elimination capacity (EC) of 142g/m super(3)h, whereas at an EBRT of 31s, a critical EC of 200g/m super(3)h was reached and the EC obtained exhibited a maximum value of 232g/m super(3)h. For 1500ppmv of H sub(2)S, 99% removal was maintained during 90 days and complete biodegradation of VFAs was observed. A recovery of 60% as sulfate was obtained due to the constant excess of O sub(2) concentration in the system. Acetic and propionic acids as a sole source of carbon were also evaluated in the bioreactor at different inlet loadings (0-120g/m super(3)h) obtaining a complete removal (99%) for both. Microcosms biodegradation experiments conducted with VFAs demonstrated that acetic acid provided the highest biodegradation rate.