Recent progress and perspectives in biotrickling filters for VOCs and odorous gases treatment

Abstract

Pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorous pollutants in the air can produce severe environmental problems. In recent years, the emission control of VOCs and odorous pollutants has become a crucial issue owing to the adverse effect on humans and the environment. For treating these compounds, biotrickling filter (BTF) technology acts as an environment friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional air pollution control technologies. Besides, low concentration of VOCs and odorous pollutants can also be effectively removed using BTF systems. However, the VOCs and odorants removal performance by BTF may be limited by the hydrophobicity, toxicity, and low bioavailability of these pollutants. To solve these problems, this review summarizes the design, mechanism, and common analytical methods of recent BTF advances. In addition, the operating conditions, mass transfer, packing materials and microorganisms (which are the critical parameters in a BTF system) were evaluated and discussed in view of improving the removal performance of BTFs. Further research on these specific topics, together with the combination of BTF technology with other technologies, should improve the removal performance of BTFs.

Keywords: Air pollution control; Biofilm; Biotrickling filter; Deodorization; Microbial analysis; VOCs.