Application of PTR-MS for optimization of odour removal from intensive pig production with emphasis on biofiltration

Abstract

Odour emission from intensive livestock production is becoming a nuisance to neighbors. Biofiltration is the most cost-effective technology for odor reduction. In this PhD study, PTR-MS was demonstrated to be a unique tool both for online evaluation of odor removal and for estimation of key parameters in biofiltration process. Kinetic study indicated the removal of odor is related both to mass load of the odorants and the air loading rate. Partition coefficients of sulfur compounds in biotrickling filter liquids were found to be generally very close to the corresponding partition coefficients in deionized water. Mass transfer coefficients of sulfur compounds in the biofilter packing media were determined through an established method based on breakthrough curves measured by PTR-MS.