USE OF AN ADSORBING SUPPORT FOR BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF WASTE-GAS CONTAINING ORGANIC-SOLVENTS

A laboratory-scale biotrickling filter based on microporous carbonaceo us support materials was used to examine the elimination of sparingly water-soluble solvents like toluene from waste gas at highly fluctuati ng concentrations. The maximum removal rate for constant feed concentr ations was found to be approximately 115 g/m(3)h. Removal efficiencies of more than 90% could be achieved for loads up to 21 g/m(3)h. The ob served buffering effects depended strongly on the extent of the load f luctuations. While no significant adsorption effects could be measured when inlet toluene concentrations were increased from 200 mg/m(3) to 1000 mg/m(3), the apparent removal rate was found to be approximately 250 g/m(3)h for jumps of the feed concentration up to 5000 mg/m(3). Fu rther optimization potentials can be expected by controlling biofilm t hickness as well as water hold-up.