Biodesulfurization of landfill biogas by a pilot-scale bioscrubber: Operational limits and microbial analysis

Abstract

Biogas serves as a crucial renewable energy vector to ensure a more sustainable energy future. However, the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) limits its application in various sectors, emphasizing the importance of effective H2S removal techniques for maximizing its potential. In the present study, the limits of a pilot-scale bioscrubber for biogas desulfurization was study in a real scenario. An increase in the superficial liquid velocity resulted in significant improvements in the H2S removal efficiency, increasing from 76 ± 8% (elimination capacity of 6.2 ± 0.5 gS-H2S m− 3 h− 1 ) to 97.7 ± 0.5% (elimination capacity of 8 ± 1 gS-H2S m− 3 h− 1 ) as the superficial liquid velocity increased from 50 ± 3 m h− 1 to 200 ± 8 m h− 1 . A USL of 161.4 ± 0.5 m h− 1 was able to achieve outlet H2S concentrations as low as 3 ± 1 ppmv (H2S removal efficiency of 97 ± 1%) for 7 days. High superficial liquid velocity favoured the aerobic H2S oxidation reducing the nitrate demand. The maximum EC reached throughout the operation was 50.8 ± 0.6 gS-H2S m− 3 h− 1 (H2S removal efficiency of 96 ± 1%) and a sulfur production of 60%. Studies in batch flocculation experiments showed sulfur removal rates up to 97.6 ± 0.9% with a cationic flocculant dose of 75 mg L− 1 . Microbial analysis revealed that the predominant genus with sulfo-oxidant capacity during periods of low H2S inlet load was Thioalkalispira-sulfurivermis (61–69%), while in periods of higher H2S inlet load, family Arcobacteraceae was the most prevalent (11%).