Mathematical modelling of hydrogen sulphide emission and removal in aerobic biofilters comprising chemical oxidation

Four different empirical expressions have been compared for estimating the removal of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from wastewater by chemical oxidation during its treatment in an aerated biofilter. The relative importance of this removal process is considered in a mass balance proposed by an emission model. Two of the four models investigated were able to predict the mean H2S removed fraction within a confidence interval of 95% and they demonstrated good agreement with experimental data. Biodegradation and oxidation were the two main removal mechanisms in the biofilter whereas stripping and volatilization made only minor contributions. However they can be of significance when the emission rates are calculated. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved