How does a biotrickling filter remove hydrogen sulfide and organic odors?
The hydrogen sulfide and organic odor compound are transferred from the odorous air to the bacteria growing on the synthetic EcoBase media inside the reactor. The autotrophic bacteria then oxidizes (metabolize) the hydrogen sulfide and heterotrophic bacteria oxidizes the organic odorous compounds. The following simplified reactions occur: Sulfide oxidization: H2S + 2O2 ⇒ H2SO4 Organic odors oxidation: Organic odors and/or VOCs + O2 ⇒ CO2 The by-products of sulfide oxidation is sulfuric acid which is removed from the reactor with the spray water, whereas the by-product of organic odors and/or VOC oxidation is primarily carbon dioxide which is removed from the reactor through the exhaust air.
