You are here:
SITE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: BIOSCRUBBER FOR REMOVING HAZARDOUS ORGANIC EMISSIONS FROM SOIL, WATER, AND AIR DECONTAMINATION PROCESSES
Citation:
Liu, P. AND G. Sabol. SITE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: BIOSCRUBBER FOR REMOVING HAZARDOUS ORGANIC EMISSIONS FROM SOIL, WATER, AND AIR DECONTAMINATION PROCESSES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/540/R-93/521.
Description:
An engineered biofilter was developed to digest hazardous organic emissions from soil, water, and air decontamination processes. ench scale unit was tested for >11 months for the removal of low levels of toluene in air under the SITE Emerging Technology Program. The bioscrubber contains a selected activated carbon medium to support microbial growth. he bioscrubber was designed for large volumes of air streams containing trace volatile organics. lmost complete removal of hazardous organics was demonstrated. omparing with other biofilters using compost or other naturally occurred media, the use of activated carbon in the bioscrubber enhanced the degradation efficiency substantial for the test performed. he bioscrubber efficiency results from the adsorption affinity and ideal environment for biogrowth offered by activated carbon. he adsorption affinity provides a sink for contaminants to enhance the biodegradation efficiency. t also cushions the feed fluctuations to achieve a consistent and a high level removal efficiency. n a bench scale-unit, >95% removal was demonstrated for an air stream containing <5 to 40 ppm of toluene.