This research explores using recycled by-products from wastewater treatment plants as packing materials in biotrickling filters (BTFs) for odour removal.
Three materials-commercial Pall rings, recycled plastic bottle caps, and 3D-printed extruded recycled plastic carriers-were tested for treating gases containing H₂S, NH₃, and VOCs. Results showed 100% removal of H₂S and NH₃ at gas residence times up to 6 seconds, and over 90% VOC removal at longer residence times. The 3D-printed recycled plastic carrier achieved the best performance, including complete removal of toluene and α-pinene. The study confirms that recycled plastics from the water cycle can be effective, sustainable packing materials for BTFs in odour treatment..
S. Sáez-Orviz a-b, R. Lebrero a-b, L. Terrén c, S. Doñate c, M.D. Esclapez c, L. Saúco c, R. Muñoz a-b*
a Instituto de Procesos Sostenibles (ISP), Universidad de Valladolid, Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
b Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
b Depuración de Aguas del Mediterráneo (DAM), Av. Benjamín Franklin, 21, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
