Removal of volatile organic compounds from waste gas in packed column with immobilized activated sludge gel beads.

The packed column bioreactor containing the immobilized activated sludge gel beads as well as hollow plastic balls to avoid compaction of gel beads was used to remove toluene, benzene or ethylbenzene as a model of the toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC). The basic process parameters such as the specific rate constant of the VOC degradation by the gel beads, the Henry's law constant of the VOC etc. were firstly determined. For a wide range of VOC concentration, the Monod-type degradation rate equation was assumed. Secondly, the removals observed in the packed column were compared with the ones calculated using the proposed design equation with the parameters determined. The packed column was efficient for one year to remove the VOC and its removal performance could be predicted by the design equation.