Beneficial impact of coatings on biological generation of sulfide in concrete sewer pipes

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide is a serious problem for many municipalities across North America and worldwide. Odor, safety, and corrosion are the major problems associated with the presence of hydrogen sulfide in sewerage systems. This paper investigates the effect on sulfide generation of using innovative coatings in concrete sewer pipes. A pilot-scale model, consisting of three concrete pipes (each 75 cm in length and 30 cm in internal diameter), was used to simulate the process of sulfide generation in a sewer system. Two of the pipes were internally coated with either cuprous oxide (C.O) or silver oxide (S.O), while the third one served as a control. Each of the oxides was mixed with a commercial epoxy, used for repairing concrete sewer pipes, prior to spraying on the internal surface of the concrete pipe specimens to form a coating film. Test data showed that the sulfide generation by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the C.O and S.O coated pipes was reduced by 92% and 100%, respectively, compared with that of the control pipe. The coating films effectively decreased the bacterial count in the nutrient solution. Results also suggested that the slime layer formed in the C.O coated pipe was significantly smaller and thinner compared with that of the control pipe. No slime layer was observed on the internal surface of the S.O coated pipe at the conclusion of the test.