Bio Filtration For Air Pollution Control

BIO-FILTRATION FOR AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
By
ID NO: 15EN815: PATEL KAUSHALKUMAR ASHOKBHAI
Prof. Reshma L. Patel Dr. Jayeshkumar R. Pitroda

Associate Professor Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering Department Civil Engineering Department
BVM Engineering College BVM Engineering College
Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat
A Report Submitted to
Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya (Engineering College), An Autonomous
Institution affiliated to Gujarat Technological University in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for The Master of Technology (Civil Engineering) Specialization in
Environmental Engineering
May, 2017
BIRLA VISHVAKARMA MAHAVIDYALAYA

(ENGINEERING COLLEGE)
AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION
Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388120
GUJARAT, INDIA
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that work embodied in this seminar-II report entitled “Bio-Filtration for Air
Pollution Control” was carried out by ID No:15EN815: Patel Kaushalkumar Ashokbhai at Birla
Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya (Engineering College) An Autonomous Institution for partial
fulfillment of Master of Technology (Civil Engineering) with Specialization in Environmental
Engineering degree to be awarded by Gujarat Technological University. This work has been
carried out under our supervision meets the requirement of Gujarat Technological University.
Date:
Place:
(Prof. Reshma L. Patel) (Dr. Jayeshkumar R. Pitroda)
Head, Civil Engineering Principal

(Dr. L. B. Zala) (Dr. I. N. Patel)
BIRLA VISHVAKARMA MAHAVIDYALAY

(ENGINEERING COLLEGE)
AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION
Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388120
GUJARAT, INDIA
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page I
Certificate II
Table of Contents III
List of Figures IV
List of Tables V
1 Introduction 1
2 Background 1
3 Why is Bio-filtration Important 2
4 Types of Bio-filters 3
5 How Do Bio-reactors Work 3
5.1 Components of a Bio-filter Unit 7
6 Design Parameters 7
7 Bio-filters Effectiveness 10
8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bio-filtration 11
8.1 Advantages of Bio-filtration 11
8.2 Disadvantages of Bio-filtration 11
9 Commercial Application 12
10 Bio filters – A Viable Option 12
11 A Few Exiting Bio-Filters 13
References 14
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Figure Name Page No.
Figure 2.1 Air Pollution Statistics 2

Figure 5.1 Mass Flow Diagram of a Bio-reactor 4
Figure 5.2 Bio-reactors 4
Figure 5.3 Multi-Layer Bio-filters 5
Figure 5.4 Components of a Bio-filter Unit 7
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Table Name Page No.
Table 7.1 Differentiation between Bio Filtration, Chemical 10

oxidation & Thermal Processes
1. INTRODUCTION?
Bio-filtration is a relatively new pollution control technology. It is an attractive

technique for the elimination of malodorous gas emissions and of low concentrations
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The most common style bio filter is just a big box. Some can be as big as a
basketball court or as small as one cubic yard. A bio filter’s main function is to bring
microorganisms into contact with pollutants contained in an air stream. The box that
makes up this bio filter contains a filter material, which is the breeding ground for the
microorganisms. The microorganisms live in a thin layer of moisture, the "biofilm",
which surrounds the particles that make up the filter media. During the bio filtration
process, the polluted air stream is slowly pumped through the bio filter and the
pollutants are absorbed into the filter media. The contaminated gas is diffused in the
bio filter and adsorbed onto the biofilm. This gives microorganisms the opportunity to
degrade the pollutants and to produce energy and metabolic byproducts in the form of
CO2 and H2O.
This biological degradation process occurs by oxidation, and can be written as follows:
Organic Pollutant + O2 = CO2 + H2O + Heat + Biomass
2. BACKGROUND
Bio filters have been designed primarily for odor control at wastewater
treatment plants, rendering plants, and composting operations. However, bio filters are
becoming more popular in the treatment of VOCs and other organic compounds.
The following is a brief timeline of the development of bio filters:
1923 -- Biological methods were proposed to treat odorous emissions.
1955 -- Biological methods were applied to treat odorous emissions in low

concentrations in Germany.
B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

(An Autonomous Institution)
1
1960’s -- Bio filtration was used for the treatment of gaseous pollutants both in
Germany and US.
1970’s -- Bio filtration is used with high success in Germany.
1980’s -- Bio filtration is used for the treatment of toxic emissions and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) from industry.
1990’s -- Today, there are more than 500 bio filters operating both in Germany and
Netherlands and it is widely spreading in US.
Figure 2.1 Air Pollution Statistics
Applications for odor control have occurred since the 1950s and ranged from
soil filters to large biological trickling filter plants. Odorous air emissions generally can
be characterized as having relatively low pollutant concentrations that include hydrogen
sulfide, mercaptons, and other reduced sulfur compounds. In addition, applications for
VOC control have just become popular in the past decade and are still being researched
extensively. For example, research has shown that bio filters can be used to remove a
variety of airborne contaminants, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons,
alcohols, aldehydes, organic acids, acrylate, carbolic acids, amines and ammonia.
3. WHY IS BIO-FILTRATION IMPORTANT

 Bio reaction is a green process.
 Thermal and catalytic control units consume large volumes of expensive fuel.
 Bioreactors only use small amounts of electrical power to drive two or
three small motors.

2
 Normally, bioreactors do not require full-time labor and the only operating
supplies needed are small quantities of macronutrients.
4. TYPES OF BIO-FILTERS
On The Basis of Layout
 Open Bed : Uncovered and Exposed to all Weather conditions.

 Closed Bed : Enclosed with a small exhaust port for venting of cleaned air
On The Basis of Shape
Horizontal:
 With Larger footprints

 Relatively inexpensive
 Easy maintenance
Vertical:
 Designed to reduce the footprint required.

 Use less surface area compared to Horizontal
 Expensive
 Not easy to Maintain
On the Basis of Support Media
 Compost Bio Filter : Soil , Peat, Compost material is used

 Synthetic Bio Filter : Ceramic , Plastic ( BTX )
5. HOW DO BIO-REACTORS WORK
Bio filtration utilizes a supported media for microbial growth to remove odors
and organic contaminants from air streams. The filter consists of a closed chamber
containing contaminant degrading microbes and absorbed water suspended in a filter
medium. The filter medial is designed to provide a high capacity for water uptake, have
a long working life, and provide a low pressure drop for the gases passing through the

3
media.
Figure 5.1 Mass Flow Diagram of a Bio-reactor
Figure 5.2 Bio-reactors

4
Smaller and more popular multi-layer bio filters are shown below:
Figure 5.3 Multi-Layer Bio-filters
In the bio filtration process, contaminated air is moistened by a humidifier and

is pumped into the bio filter through a chamber below the filter medium. While the air
slowly flows upward through the filter media, the contaminants in the air stream are
absorbed and metabolized. The purified air passes out of the top of the bio filter and
into the atmosphere. Most bio filters that are in operation today can treat odor and VOCs
add efficiencies greater that 90%. However, the drawback to this technology is that it

5
can only handle low concentrations of pollutants (<1000 ppm) and loading rates
between 300-500 ft3/ft2-hr.
Bio filter media:
The moist filter medium provides physical and chemical conditions appropriate
for the transfer of contaminants from the air to the liquid phase and the biodegradation
of the contaminants in the biofilm layer. The mechanism of the bio filtration process
includes a combination of adsorption, absorption and microbial degradation.
Microorganisms contained in the biofilm layer continually metabolize the
contaminants, as they are absorbed, converting them ultimately to water, carbon dioxide
and salts.
Typical bio filter media material includes compost-based materials, earth,

heather, plastic, or wood-product based material. The purpose of the bio filter media is
to provide a large surface area for the absorption and adsorption of contaminants. The
media also serves as a nutrient source for the microbial population. In fact, some types
of media lack proper nutrients and will require the manual addition nutrients (e.g.
nitrogen and phosphorous compounds) in order to sustain microbial life. Most bio filters
will operate for 5-7 years before it is necessary to renew the filter media.
Major considerations when determining the appropriate filter material include:
 Ability to retain moisture to sustain biofilm layer;

 Large surface area, both for contaminant absorption and microbial growth;
 Ability to retain nutrients and supply them to microbes as required;
 Low resistance to air flow (minimizes pressure drop and blower power
requirements);
 Physical characteristics, such as physical stability and ease of handling

6
5.1. Components of a Bio-Filter Unit:
Figure 5.4 Components of a Bio-filter Unit
 Materials used for bed media – peat, composted yard waste, bark, coarse soil,
gravel or plastic shapes (Reference 2 from EPA PDF)
 Oyster shells (for neutralizing acid build-up) and fertilizer (for macronutrients)
are mixed with bed media.
 Support Rack -perforated – allow air from the plenum to move into the bed
media -to contact microbes that live in the bed. Perforations also permit excess,
condensed moisture to drain out of the bed to the plenum.
 Fan – used to collect contaminated air, as the emissions flow through the bed
media, the pollutants are absorbed by moisture on the bed media. Microbes
reduce pollutant concentrations by consuming and metabolizing pollutants.
During the digestion process, enzymes in convert compounds into energy, CO2
and water. Material that is indigestible is left over and becomes residue.
6. DESIGN PARAMETERS
Space Constraints:
Space at a site is the greatest concern during design of a bio filtration system. A
small bio filtration unit can be designed to handle approximately 30 cubic-feet-per-
minute in as little space as 25 square feet, similarly, a bio filtration system designed to
treat large air volumes and require space as large as a basketball court.
Chemical Constituents and Concentrations:
Analysis of chemical constituents and their concentrations are required to

determine if bio filtration is a plausible alternative. Bio filters performed best when
7
treating hydrophilic compounds in low concentrations (<1000 ppm). Some chemicals

biologically degrade at low rates, such as chlorinated compounds, which require units
to be oversized.
Residence Time:
Residence Time represents the amount of time the microbes are in contact with
the contaminated air stream, and is defined by (Void Volume/Volumetric Flow Rate).
Consequently, longer residence times produce higher efficiencies; however, a design
must minimize residence time to allow the bio filter to accommodate larger flow rates.
For most bio filters, residence times range between 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Humidity:
The humidity of gas stream is important for maintaining the moisture content of
the bio filter media. Gas streams introduced to the bio filtration system are usually
pumped through a humidifier prior to entering the bio filter. The gas entering the bio
filter should be humidified to greater than 95% relative humidity.
Ph.-Control:
The by-products of microbial degradation are organic acids. In order to maintain

the pH of the vessel around neutral, or a pH of 7, buffering material may be added to
the organic media.
Bio filter Media:
The media used in bio filters can include peat, heather, bark, composted sewage
sludge, granular carbon or other suitable materials. Generally, the media should be
capable of providing nutrients to the microorganisms and minimizing pressure drop. In
addition, the moisture content of the bio filter media must be maintained between 30%
and 60% in order to support the microbial population. In addition to humidifying the
airflow, sprinkler systems are frequently installed inside the bio filter that can be
controlled to maintain a suitable bed moisture.
Pressure Drop:
Pressure drop across the bio filter reactor vessel should be minimized since an
increase in pressure drop requires more blower power and can result in air channeling

8
through the media. Pressure drop is directly related to the moisture content in the media
and the media pore size. Increased moisture and decreased pore size result in increased
pressure drop. Consequently, media filter selection and watering is critical to bio filter
performance and energy efficiency. For a typical bio filter pressure drops range between
1 and 10 hope.
Maintenance:
The operation and maintenance of the bio filtration system would require
weekly site visits during initiation of operations for amiss. However, after acclimation
and all system problems are resolved the frequency of site visits could be reduced to
the biweekly or monthly.
Temperature:
Most microbes can survive and flourish in a temperature range of 60 to 105 /F

(30 to 41/C) (Ref. 3 of EPA PDF). When emissions are too hot, humidifiers are used
which cools gases down by evaporative cooling.
Moisture:
Moisture creates the bio-film that removes (absorbs) pollutants from an air
stream so that they can be assimilated by microbes. Humidifiers made from an old FRP
(fiber reinforced plastic) tank are used to increase moisture.
Care and Feeding:
Microbes need a diet of balanced nutrients to survive and propagate. Pollutants

provide the main source of food and energy, but microbes also require macronutrients
to sustain life. Microbes use nitrogen to build cell walls. Some nitrogen products form
water-soluble compounds and are leached out of the system with condensing water.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium added by incorporating agricultural fertilizer into bed
media.
Acidity:
Most bioreactors perform best when the bed pH is near 7, or neutral. Hydrogen
sulfide, organic sulfur compounds, and halogens (chlorine, fluoride, bromine and
iodine) are acidic in nature and lower the ph.

9
Oyster Shells:
May be added to neutralize the ph. a Dilute solution of soda ash (sodium carbonate,
Na2 CO3) may be introduced by a garden hose periodically.
7. BIO FILTERS EFFECTIVENESS
 Odor and hydrogen sulfide reductions up to 95%.

 Ammonia reductions up to 80%.
 Uses Microorganisms
 Absorbs And Oxidizes
 VOC’s
 VIC’s
 Ox disable Inorganic Gases and Vapors
 Produces
 Water, Carbon di oxide, Salts
 Microbial Biomass
Table 7.1 Differentiation between Bio Filtration, Chemical oxidation & Thermal
Processes
Bio-filtration Thermal Process Chemical Oxidation
- Only by-product is waste - By-product is nitrogen - Produce chlorine and

biomass oxides which causes chlorinated products.
ozone depletion and
smog formation
- Ambient temperature - Requires additional - Require precise
and pressure process natural gas for achieving temperature and pressure
high temp. Hence conditions.
increases Co2.
- Investment and - Operation and handing - In chemical oxidations
operation cost are lower cost is high. chemical have to stored
than other two and handled.

10
8. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVATAGES OF BIOFILTRATION

8.1.Advantages of Bio filtration:
1. The main advantage of using bio filtration over other more convention control
methods are lower capital costs, lower operating costs, low chemical usage, and
no combustion source.
2. Bio filtration units can be designed to physically fit into any industrial setting.
A bio filtration unit can be designed as any shape, size or as an open field with
the piping and delivery system underground. In addition, bio filters can be
designed with stacked beds to minimize space requirements and multiple units
can be run in parallel.
3. Bio filtration is versatile enough to treat odors, toxic compounds, and VOCs.
The treatment efficiencies of these constituents are above 90% for low
concentrations of contaminants (<1000 ppm).
4. Different media, microbes and operating conditions can be used to tailor a bio
filter system for many emission points.
8.2.Disadvantages of Bio filtration:
1. Bio filtration cannot successfully treat some organic compounds, which have
low adsorption or degradation rates. This is especially true for chlorinated
VOCs.
2. Contaminant sources with high chemical emissions would require large bio
filter units or open areas to install a bio filtration system.
3. Sources with emissions that fluctuate severely or produce large spikes can be
detrimental to the of a bio filter’s microbial population and overall performance.
4. Acclimation periods for the microbial population may take weeks or even
months, especially for VOC treatment.

11
9. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
There have been over 50 commercial bio filters using compost-type material
installed in Europe and the United States over the past 15 years.
VOC applications to date have included the following industries:
 Chemical and petrochemical industry

 Oil and gas industry
 Synthetic resins
 Paint and ink
 Pharmaceutical industry
 Waste and wastewater treatment
 Soil and Groundwater remediation
Odor abatement applications to date have included the following industries.
 Sewage treatment
 Slaughter houses
 Rendering
 Gelatin and glue plants
 Agricultural and meat processing
 Tobacco, cocoa and sugar industry
 Flavor and fragrance
10. BIOFILTERS – A Viable Option
 Effective at emission reduction.

 Low-cost
 Biological system requiring management.
 Design, installation and operation will impact building ventilation and bio-
filters effectiveness.
Bio filtration-an Innovative Technology for the Future:
 different types of bio filters’ support media

12
 The various bio filters operations adopted in industry.

 waste compounds treatable by bio filtration
 Commercial potential of bio filtration.
 The paper concludes that when compared to other available technologies, bio
filters have significant technical and economic advantages.
11. A Few Existing Bio Filters:
1. McMinnville, Oregon: The installation in McMinnville, Oregon perhaps best

demonstrates the capabilities as the levels of odorous compounds to be treated
were among the highest ever reported from the wastewater treatment
environment.
2. Long Sault, Ontario: Although a small (1500 cms), indoor, container-type
system, this installation demonstrates several key aspects that are relevant to any
installation.
3. Sarnia, Ontario: This bio filter was installed in 2001 and treats 12,500 cms of
air coming from a sludge liming and drying operation.
4. Brookfield, P.E.I.: This bio filter was installed in 2002, at a composting plant
in P.E.I. that treats 60,000 cms of air from the composting process.
5. Toronto, Ontario: This bio filter was installed in 2002 in the north end of
Toronto at the Toronto Mixed Waste Recycling and Organics Processing
Facility.

13
REFERENCES
1 Review Paper on Bio filtration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – An
Overview by Thakur Prabhat Kumar, Rahul, Mathur Anil Kumar and Balomajumder
Research Journal of Chemical Sciences ISSN 2231-606X Vol. 1(8), 83-92, Nov.
(2011)
2 Magazine paper on Biofiltration: an innovative technology by Dr. Rakesh Govind,
chemical engg., University Of Cincinnati, OH 45221-0171 (2000)
3 Journal on Environmental Progress vol. 24 no.23 (october 2005) by American
Society of Chemical Engineers Project No. 98-CTS-4 Bureau of Sanitation, LA
4 Indian Journal Of Biotechnology vol. 2, july 2003, Biofiltration-an emerging
technology by Soccol, Woicieschowski, Vedanberghe, Soares and Neto UFPR,
Federal university of Parana, Curtiba-PR, Brazil CEP 81531-970
5 Pollution statistics from Indian Journal of Biotechnology vol. 2, July 2003 case study
of effluent in Industries of Delhi-NCR region.
6 Frederickson, J.; Boardman, C. P.; Gladding, T. L.; Simpson, A. E.; Howell, G. and
Sgouridis, F. (2013). Evidence: Bio filter performance and operation as related to
commercial composting. Environment Agency, Bristol.
7 EPA handout Environmental Protection Agency “What is Bio filter?”; “Using bio-
filters to
8 Head, I. M., Singleton, I., and Milner, M. (2003). Bioremediation: A critical review
horizon scientific press Norfolk.
9 Devinny, J. S.; Deshusses, M. A., & Webster, T. S.Biofiltration for air pollution
control. Lewis publishers London.
10 Sincero, A. P. and Sincero, G. A. Environmental engineering. PHI learning Private
Limited. N. Delhi.
11 Evans, G. M. and Furlong, J. C. Environmental Biotechnology. Wiley & Sons.
12 Liu, D. H. F. and Liptak, B. G. Environmental engineer’s handbook. (2nd Ed.).
13 Nathonson, J.A. Basic Environmental Technology.4th Ed.
14 Brown, C. A., Karl, B. Air pollution control technology handbook.
15 http://www.mega.cz/electrodialysis.html.
16 www.globalspec.com/../air bio filter
17 www.gnest.org/journal/vol 11_no2/218.
18 www.ambio.ca/operation.php

14

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BIO-FILTRATION FOR AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

ID NO: 15EN815: PATEL KAUSHALKUMAR ASHOKBHAI

Prof. Reshma L. Patel Dr. Jayeshkumar R. Pitroda

BIRLA VISHVAKARMA MAHAVIDYALAYA

(Prof. Reshma L. Patel) (Dr. Jayeshkumar R. Pitroda)

Head, Civil Engineering Principal

BIRLA VISHVAKARMA MAHAVIDYALAY

Figure No. Figure Name Page No.

Figure 2.1 Air Pollution Statistics 2

Table No. Table Name Page No.

Table 7.1 Differentiation between Bio Filtration, Chemical 10

Bio-filtration is a relatively new pollution control technology. It is an attractive

Organic Pollutant + O2 = CO2 + H2O + Heat + Biomass

The following is a brief timeline of the development of bio filters:

1923 -- Biological methods were proposed to treat odorous emissions.

1955 -- Biological methods were applied to treat odorous emissions in low

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

1970’s -- Bio filtration is used with high success in Germany.

Figure 2.1 Air Pollution Statistics

3. WHY IS BIO-FILTRATION IMPORTANT

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

On The Basis of Layout

 Open Bed : Uncovered and Exposed to all Weather conditions.

On The Basis of Shape

 With Larger footprints

 Designed to reduce the footprint required.

On the Basis of Support Media

 Compost Bio Filter : Soil , Peat, Compost material is used

5. HOW DO BIO-REACTORS WORK

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

Figure 5.1 Mass Flow Diagram of a Bio-reactor

Figure 5.2 Bio-reactors

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

Figure 5.3 Multi-Layer Bio-filters

In the bio filtration process, contaminated air is moistened by a humidifier and

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

Bio filter media:

Typical bio filter media material includes compost-based materials, earth,

Major considerations when determining the appropriate filter material include:

 Ability to retain moisture to sustain biofilm layer;

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

5.1. Components of a Bio-Filter Unit:

Figure 5.4 Components of a Bio-filter Unit

Chemical Constituents and Concentrations:

Analysis of chemical constituents and their concentrations are required to

treating hydrophilic compounds in low concentrations (<1000 ppm). Some chemicals

The by-products of microbial degradation are organic acids. In order to maintain

Bio filter Media:

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

Most microbes can survive and flourish in a temperature range of 60 to 105 /F

Care and Feeding:

Microbes need a diet of balanced nutrients to survive and propagate. Pollutants

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

7. BIO FILTERS EFFECTIVENESS

 Odor and hydrogen sulfide reductions up to 95%.

Bio-filtration Thermal Process Chemical Oxidation

- Only by-product is waste - By-product is nitrogen - Produce chlorine and

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

8. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVATAGES OF BIOFILTRATION

8.2.Disadvantages of Bio filtration:

B.V.M. Engineering College / Gujarat Technological University

VOC applications to date have included the following industries:

 Chemical and petrochemical industry