Integrated biological-physical process for biogas purification effluent treatment

Biogas purification via water scrubbing produces effluent containing dissolved CH₄, H₂S, and CO₂, which should be removed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase its potential for water regeneration. In this study, a reactor built with air supplies at the top and bottom was utilized for the treatment of biogas purification effluent through biological oxidation and physical stripping processes. Up to 98% of CH₄ was removed through biological treatment at a hydraulic retention time of 2 hr and an upper airflow rate of 2.02 L/day. Additionally, a minimum CH₄ concentration of 0.04% with no trace of H₂S gas was detected in the off gas. Meanwhile, a white precipitate was captured on the carrier showing the formation of sulfur. According to the developed mathematical model, an upper airflow rate of greater than 2.02 L/day showed a small deterioration in CH₄ removal performance after reaching the maximum value, whereas a 50 L/day bottom airflow rate was required to strip the CO₂ efficiently and raise the effluent pH from 5.64 to 7.3. Microbiological analysis confirmed the presence of type 1 methanotroph communities dominated by Methylobacter and Methylocaldum. However, bacterial communities promoting sulfide oxidation were dominated by Hyphomicrobium.