Reduction of hazardous air pollutant emissions using biofiltration

Abstract

Significant reduction in the emissions of organic hazardous air pollutants (HAP) associated with surface coating operations was demonstrated through the application of an innovative and low cost biofiltration system. A laboratory‐scale biofilter employing yard waste compost filter media was successful in reducing the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) airborne concentrations to levels that consistently exceeded the regulatory performance standards mandated for surface coating air emissions control technologies. During Phase I, the biofilter reduced the influent airborne MEK concentration from 184ppmv (parts per million – volume basis) to zero, an operational performance that corresponded to a HAP removal rate of 1,084.2g/m3−d. Similarly, in Phase II, when the steady state influent airborne MEK concentration was increased to 608ppmv, the biofilter maintained an average effluent MEK concentration of 26.1ppmv, which reflected a HAP removal rate of 3,429.1g/m3−d or a 95.7 percent control efficiency.