PROJECT R&D+I

TITLE
OBIT - ODOUR BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT

HIGHLIGHTS
Development of a biological deodorization technology consisting of a high performance
gaseous phase bioreactor for the treatment of odors capable of operating at residence
times comparable to those of conventional chemical scrubbers using microorganisms for
the biodegradation of odoriferous compounds

ABSTRACT
The OBiT technology operates on a countercurrent column providing uniform contact and good
mass transfer between the air to be treated and the liquid medium in recirculation. The liquid
phase of the reactor is continuously recirculated and consists of treated water from the WWTP,
which ensures the reduction of water consumption in the public network and the supply of the
necessary nutrients to the microbial cultures responsible for the removal of odors.

The technology was demonstrated by the operation of a pilot plant installed and operated
continuously by WeDoTech, at the Matosinhos WWTP in partnership with EFACEC - Engenharia e
Sistemas, SA, for more than 15 months, under the OBiT Project funded by QREN (Ref. ADI - 3458),
with excellent H2S removal efficiency over the operating time.
In addition to guaranteeing the removal of odors using natural processes of biodegradation with
high removal efficiencies, high performance bioreactors offer the main advantage of reducing
operating costs due to the absence of chemical consumption in the treatment process and energy
consumption associates.

OBiT technology thus asserts itself as the sustainable and competitive option to mitigate odors
released in WWTPs when compared to traditional chemical towers. The industrial exploitation of
this technology is carried out by WeDoTech, Lda. In partnership with EFACEC - Engenharia e
Sistemas, S.A.

KEYWORDS
Odors Removal, Innovation, Biotechnology, Environment

PROMOTERS / PARTNERS
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia - Universidade Católica Portuguesa; WeDoTech, Lda. (coordinator); EFACEC -
Engenharia e Sistemas, S.A.

FINANCING PROGRAM EXECUTION DATE GLOBAL BUDGET

QREN (ADI – 3458) 2010-2012 € 103.252,24

CONTACTS E-MAIL PHONE

Paula Castro plcastro@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 558 0097