TREATMENT OF METHYLETHYLKETONE IN AIR STREAM BY BIOTRICKLING FILTERS

This paper reports the result of studies using two biotrickling filter s (BTFs) with wood and plastic packings, respectively, for treatment o f methylethylketone (MEK) in an air stream. Effects of packing materia l, specific surface area of the packings, volumetric loading of MEK, n utrient addition, and the recirculation rate of liquid on the MEK elim ination capacity were tested. Results show that the elimination capaci ty of MEK in the BTF system can be evaluated on the basis of unit surf ace area of packing materials. Surface properties may not be a major c oncern in choosing a packing. Nutrient addition is essential for obtai ning an efficient elimination of the influent contaminants to BTFs. Fo r treating water-soluble contaminants, the liquid recirculation rate i s a minor operation factor in the case of minute residual contaminants in the liquid. A high liquid recirculation rate should be avoided at such high level of contaminant loadings, since some contaminants remai n in the liquid.