Use of Biological Methods For Removal of H2S From Biogas In Wastewater Treatment Plants – A Review

Krzysztof Barbusiński,Katarzyna Kalemba

doi:10.21307/acee-2016-011

Krzysztof Barbusiński, Katarzyna Kalemba

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.21307/acee-2016-011

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Abstract

Abstract Biogas is produced during anaerobic digestion of organic substances by a consortium of microorganisms. Biogas consists mainly of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Other gases such as dinitrogen (N2), water vapour (H2O), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other sulfur compounds could also be found therein. Biogas produced by waste biomass has been recognized as one of the most important alternative energy sources in the recent years. In order to be used as a source of energy to generate heat and electricity, biogas should be cleaned. H2S is a colourless, flammable, malodorous and toxic gas. The main issues due to the high concentrations of H2S in biogas are its corrosive action, which damages engines and the production of sulfur oxides (SOx) due to H2S combustion. The best ways to remove H2S from biogas are the biological methods with the use of biofilters, biotrickling filters, bioscrubbers and using of activated sludge.

Highlights

The major source of odours emission in wastewater treatment plant is biodegradation of sludge, mainly anaerobic degradation
Odours are generated by a number of different wastewater components, first of all the sulphur compounds, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and mercaptans
The main purpose of this paper is a brief review of the biological methods used to remove hydrogen sulphide from biogas in wastewater treatment plants

Summary

Introduction

The major source of odours emission in wastewater treatment plant is biodegradation of sludge, mainly anaerobic degradation. Odours are generated by a number of different wastewater components, first of all the sulphur compounds, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and mercaptans. 3-6 mg/dm organic sulphur, mainly arising from proteinaceous materials and about 4 mg/dm from sulphonates contained in the household detergents and 30-60 mg/dm inorganic sulphur [1]. Anaerobic digestion of organic substances by a consortium of microorganisms through a series of metabolic stages (hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis) leads to biogas formation [2]

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