Styrene removal from polluted air in one and two-liquid phase biotrickling filter: Steady and transient-state performance and pressure drop control

A Sporothrix variecibatus-inoculated biotrickling filter (BTF) was examined for styrene removal, without and with the addition of silicone oil, at different empty bed residence times. The highest elimination capacities (ECs) were 172.8 (without silicone oil) and 670 g m−3 h−1 (with silicone oil), respectively, corresponding to a 4-fold improvement in presence of oil. The addition of silicone oil formed a well-coalesced emulsion of fungi and silicone oil, resulting in filter-bed clogging. Clogging prevention strategies adopted were; (i) lowering the volume ratio of silicone oil from 10% to 2% (v/v), and (ii) periodic increase in trickling rate of the medium from 50 to 190 mL min−1. During shock-load experiments, the BTF with silicone oil (2% v/v) could withstand high styrene loads, of up to 1900 g m−3 h−1, when compared to the BTF without silicone oil (400 g m−3 h−1).

► A Sporothrix variecibatus inoculated BTF was examined for styrene removal.
► The addition of silicone oil (10% or 2%, v/v) improved the driving force for mass transfer of styrene from the gas-phase to the liquid-phase.
► The highest elimination capacities (ECs) were: 172.8 gm–3 h−1 (without silicone oil), and 670 gm–3 h−1 (with silicone oil).
► Filter-bed clogging was eliminated by; (i) lowering the volume ratio of silicone oil from 10% to 2% (v/v), and (ii) increasing the trickling rate of the recirculation medium.