Treatment of methylethylketone in air stream by biotrickling filters

This paper reports the result of studies using two biotrickling filters (BTFs) with wood and plastic packings, respectively, for treatment of methylethylketone (MEK) in an air stream. Effects of packing material, specific surface area of the packings, volumetric loading of MEK, nutrient addition, and the recirculation rate of liquid on the MEK elimination capacity were tested. Results show that the elimination capacity of MEK in the BTF system can be evaluated on the basis of unit surface area of packing materials. Surface properties may not be a major concern in choosing a packing. Nutrient addition is essential for obtaining an efficient elimination of the influent contaminants to BTFs. For treating water-soluble contaminants, the liquid recirculation rate is a minor operation factor in the case of minute residual contaminants in the liquid. A high liquid recirculation rate should be avoided at such high level of contaminant loadings, since some contaminants remain in the liquid.