• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.18 no.E3
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• pp.153-163
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• 2002

A laboratory- scale dual-column biofilter system was used to study the biofiltration of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). The gas flow rate and DMDS concentration to the biofilter were varied to study their effect on the remov-al of dimethyl disulfide. Operating parameters such as pH, temperature, and water content were monitored during the biofilter operation and necessary precautions were taken to keep these parameters within the acceptable limits. It was observed that the removal efficiency of DMDS was optimal at neutral pH values. After five month op-eration, the neutralization of the filter beds with sodium carbonate became necessary for the optimum operation of the biofilters. The microbial population already present in the compost mixtures was found to be adequate in treat-ing DMDS. The compost mixtures were found to be similar in terms of biofiltration efficiency of DMDS. However, pressure drops observed in the first column compost mixture (compost/ peat mulch) was extremely high, making this compost economically not feasible. The second mixture (compost/bark) provided pressure drops within accept-able limits. A minimum residence time of 30 seconds at the optimal operating conditions appeared to be adequate for achieving high removal efficiencies (>90%).