Removal of traces of toluene and p -xylene in indoor air using biofiltration and a hybrid system (biofiltration + adsorption)

Abstract

Biofiltration technology and the hybrid system combining biofiltration and adsorption (onto activated carbon) were compared as possible methods to toluene and p-xylene at parts per million concentration levels (2–45 and 1–33 ppb, respectively). An organic material was used as packing material for the biofiltration process. Even at low empty bed residence times (EBRTs) and concentrations, toluene removal efficiency reached 100% and p-xylene showed an increasing trend on their removal efficiency over the time using biofiltration. The assessment of by-products and particle generation by the biofilter and the hybrid system were taken into account. Acetone and acetic acid were identified as by-products of the biofilter. Particle emissions in the range of 0.03 to 10 μm were recorded for both systems.

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