Biofilters - Practical Applications to Pollution Control

Biofilters

As mentioned earlier, these were the first methods to be developed. The system, shown schematically in Figure 4.2, consists of a relatively large vessel or container, typically made of cast concrete, metal or durable plastic, which holds a filter medium of organic material such as peat, heather, bark chips and the like. The gas to be treated is forced, or drawn, through the filter, as shown in the diagram. The medium offers good water-holding capacity and soluble chemicals within the waste gas, or smelt, dissolve into the film of moisture around the matrix. Bacteria, and other micro-organisms present, degrade components of the resultant solution, thereby bringing about the desired effect. The medium itself provides physical support for microbial growth, with a large surface area to vol-ume ratio, high in internal void spaces and rich in nutrients to stimulate and sustain bacterial activity. Biofilters need to be watered sufficiently to maintain optimum internal conditions, but waterlogging is to be avoided as this leads to compaction, and hence, reduced efficiency. Properly maintained, biofilters can reduce odour release by 95% or more.