Performance evaluation of packing materials in the removal of hydrogen sulphide in gas-phase biofilters: Polyurethane foam, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut fibre

The main objective of this work was to investigate three packing materials (polyurethane foam, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut fibre) for biofiltration of a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Mixed cultures were obtained from two sources, aerated submerged biofilters and activated sludge, and were utilised as inoculums. Biofilters reached 100% removal efficiency after two days of operation. The empty bed residence time was 49 s for each of the biofilters. The reactors were operated simultaneously, and the inlet concentrations of H2S varied between 184 and 644 ppmv during the long-term continuous operation of the biofilters (100 days). Average removal efficiencies remained above 99.3%, taking into consideration the entire period of operation. Average elimination capacities reached by the biofilters packed with polyurethane foam, coconut fibre, and sugarcane bagasse were in the range of 17.8–66.6; 18.9–68.8, and 18.7–72.9 g m−3 h−1, respectively. Finally, we concluded that the packing materials tested in this work are appropriate for the long-term biofiltration of hydrogen sulphide.