A fully-automated pilot-scale biofilter filled with coconut fiber as packing material was investigatedfor treatment of ammonia-containing off-gas streams. Coconut fiber was completely characterized forphysical and chemical parameters and biological activity. Biofilter performance was assessed in a pilot-scale unit in a set of continuous experiments varying the inlet ammonia concentration in a range of 45 to240 ppmv at a gas contact time of 36 seconds. Samples taken along the bed height as well as inlet and outletammonia concentrations were used to determine a maximum elimination capacity of 12 g NH3m?3h?1ata 80% removal efficiency. Some features related to nitrification inhibition encountered in the experimentsare also discussed.

Peer Reviewed