Performance Evaluation of Biodegradation of Isoprene–Acetone Mixture in Integrated Biofilter

Abstract

In this research, the effect of operating variables, namely, inlet isoprene (1–4 g/m3) and acetone concentrations (0.25–1 g/m3), flow rates (0.0785–0.157 m3/h), and biofilter heights (25, 50, 75, and 100 cm) on the removal performance of an integrated biofilter was investigated. The use of chitosan beads have been attempted as a biosorbent and integrated at the tail end of the biofilter column. This novel modification proved to contribute better in improving the overall removal efficiency compared to a conventional biofilter. The maximum removal efficiency observed with acetone was higher than isoprene due to a better solubility reflected through Henry’s constants. An increase in inlet concentrations of isoprene and acetone, coupled with a reduced residence, produced lower removal efficiencies. The biomass profile confirmed better biomass distribution in the lower sections of the biofilter, and the same was related to contribute to the enhanced sectional removal efficiencies achieved. The integrated biofilter was tested at shock loads, and the efficiency achieved confirmed the suitability of this technique to handle real-time concentration variations.