International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 10 | Oct 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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BIOFILTRATION OF AIR Shahina K H1, Chandni P K Divakaran2 1Student , Department of Civil Engineering, JCET, Kerala, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering , JCET, Kerala , India
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Abstract – Air pollution caused by industrial processes,
compounds (VOCs), ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other malodorous or hazardous gases from industrial emissions.
vehicle emissions, and other anthropogenic activities presents significant health and environmental risks. Biofiltration is a sustainable and cost-effective method used for the purification of air contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other pollutants. This process leverages microbial activity within a biofilter, where pollutants are absorbed into a moist biofilm and subsequently degraded by microorganisms. The biofilter typically consists of a packed bed of organic or inorganic materials that support the microbial community. As air passes through the filter, contaminants are metabolized into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide and water.This explores the mechanisms of biofiltration, the design of biofilters, types of filter media, and the key factors influencing the efficiency of biofiltration, such as pH, temperature, and moisture content. Additionally, advancements in biofiltration technology and its applications in industrial air treatment and indoor air quality management are discussed, demonstrating its potential as an environmentally friendly solution for air pollution control.
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. The biological degradation process oxidation, can be written as follows
In comparison to conventional methods, biofiltration offers several advantages, including lower operational costs, minimal energy requirements, and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, biofilters can handle fluctuating concentrations of pollutants and do not produce secondary pollutants, making them an environmentally friendly solution. However, the successful application of biofiltration depends on the careful selection of microbial species, filter media, and operational parameters to ensure efficient pollutant removal and system stability.
1.INTRODUCTION Air pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, with increasing concerns over the health and ecological impacts of gaseous emissions from industrial activities, vehicular exhaust, and urban development. Traditional air pollution control technologies, such as chemical scrubbers and catalytic converters, although effective, often entail high operational costs and energy consumption. In response to the growing demand for sustainable, costeffective solutions, biofiltration has emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of contaminated air streams.
This paper provides a comprehensive review of biofiltration technology, focusing on the principles, mechanisms, and applications of biofilters in various industrial sectors.
2. CLASSIFICATION OF AIR POLLUTANTS Air pollution is one of the quickly rising issues of today’s world. Contaminants are ejected from various origins directly or Indirectly to the environment. One or numerous contaminant also exist within the air for extended periods, which may have few detrimental effects on humans, cattle, and plants. This also influences the international economy and environmental transitions for long periods. Air pollutants are categorized into the following different types.
Biofiltration is a biological air treatment process that leverages the metabolic activity of microorganisms to degrade pollutants. Contaminated air is passed through a packed bed filter containing a biofilm of microbial communities that metabolize and convert harmful organic and inorganic compounds into harmless end products, such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. The process is particularly effective for removing volatile organic
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Impact Factor value: 8.315
by
Organic pollutant + O2 = CO2 + H2O + Heat + Biomass
Key Words: Biofiltration , Air pollution, Microorganisms, VOCs, Air quality
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