Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), commonly found in the atmosphere, are odorous compounds with negative effects on human and environment. VOCs and odours emitted from industrial sources have been demonstrated as hazardous and annoying compounds which may cause negative effects on humans and environment.
The control of these compounds is therefore a key action by the plant managers in order to avoid complaints and negative impacts. In this study, microalgae and bacteria were implemented in a vertical tubular photobioreactor for the biodegradation of toluene, used as model VOC. Chlorella vulgaris strain was chosen as photosynthetic platform due to their high adaptability to adverse environmental conditions.
The proposed Advanced Biofiltration (mixed organic/inorganic) can be considered the Best Available Technology (BAT) to treat odorous emissions from MSW treatment plants, composting and WWTP plants among others, typically achieving final odour concentrations below 1000 uoE/m3 or 95% efficiency.