Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in crude oil can be released to the atmosphere from storage tanks, waste waters, and equipment leaks. A pilot-scale sequential biotrickling/biofiltration (BTF/BF) unit was designed and tested as an environmentally safe and economical treatment procedure for removal of VOCs from a wastewater sump at a Texas refinery. This pilot study can be used to design and optimize the performance of a bio-oxidation unit under actual refinery operating conditions.
Introduction
Biological-treatment technology has developed rapidly in the US over the past 30 years. It is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method of mitigating VOC emissions to the atmosphere that relies on the natural characteristics and abilities of microorganisms.
