Biological removal of carbon disulfide from waste air streams

A pilot-scale biological control system for the treatment of 3400 m(3) h(-1 ) of a gaseous stream containing up to 7.8 g CS2 m(-3) and trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was installed in a cellulose sponge manufacturing f acility. The objective was to demonstrate the capability of the process to attain sustained removal efficiencies of 90% for CS2 and 99% for H2S. The s ystem consisted of two sequent idl biotrickling reactors, which had been pr eviously inoculated with an adapted microbial consortium. During the pilot test stable removal efficiency and elimination capacity of +90% and 220g CS 2 m(-3) h(-1), respectively, were attained with an empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 33 seconds for a period of several weeks. Efficiencies greater t han 99% were always obtained for H2S. Based on the results, the system was determined to be an effective process to remediate waste air streams contai ning reduced sulfur compounds generated at cellulose sponge facilities.