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Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2019) | Viewed by 24213

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Dr. Jinying Xi

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Division of Environmental Biology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: biological control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorants; interpretation and regulation of environmental microbial communities; control of harmful microorganisms (VOCs) and odorants; control of harmful microorganisms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, many countries in the world are suffering from and dealing with serious air pollution problems. Among different air pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorants are two groups of common contaminants emitted from various outdoor or indoor sources. The typical outdoor sources include many industrial, municipal or agricultural units, processes or activities. The emission of VOCs and odorants will impose high risks on people’s health, form secondary pollutants to lead regional air pollution and result in residents’ complaints from the communities. In order to achieve good control and management on VOCs or odorants emission, the source should be firstly well monitored and characterized. Then, some source control and end-of-pipe techniques should be properly applied. Because the characters of the VOCs/odor source and the emitted gas could vary greatly from case to case, the optimal control system should be carefully designed. To meet this requirement, both fundamental scientific understanding and novel control techniques are needed.

This Special Issue focuses on the state-of-the-art theory, strategy and techniques on VOCs and odorants control. The topics may include:

VOCs/Odor measurement, monitoring, toxicity, health impact and risk evaluation
VOCs/Odor pollution control strategies, management, standardization and regulations
Characterization and emission inventory of typical industrial, agricultural and municipal VOCs/Odor sources. Gaseous VOCs/odorants dispersion modelling
Source control techniques for VOCs/odorants (leakage detection and repair, tank seal, waterborne coating etc.)
Air pollutants collection and waste gas ventilation system. Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD) application and system optimization
VOCs recovery techniques including condensation, membrane separation, adsorption/desorption. Sulfur/Ammonia recovery from waste gases.
VOCs destroy techniques including incineration, catalytic oxidation, biofiltration, ozonation, UV photodegradation, chemical scrubber, and no-thermal plasma etc.
VOCs/Odor control in indoor environment
Case studies for real full-scale VOCs/Odor control facilities or systems

Dr. Jinying Xi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

VOCs
odor
waste gas
source control
biofiltration
oxidation
adsorption

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

VOC Removal Performance of a Joint Process Coupling Biofiltration and Membrane-Filtration Treating Food Industry Waste Gas

by Krystyna Lelicińska-Serafin, Anna Rolewicz-Kalińska and Piotr Manczarski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(17), 3009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173009 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3414

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficiency of removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from process gases from a food industry plant in East Poland, producing high-quality animal (goose, duck, and pig) and vegetable fats, using a two-stage method which is a combination of biological purification and membrane-separation. The research, conducted on the semi-technical scale, compared the effects of traditional and two-stage biofiltration carried out under the same process conditions. The concentrations of VOCs in process gases were measured by means of a multi-gas detector. Additionally the temperature and humidity of gases were determined by a thermoanemometer under filter bed, following the EU and Polish National Standard Methods Two different types of filling materials (the mix of stumpwood chips and bark, and the mix of stumpwood chips, bark, and compost) and two types of membranes (three-layer semi-permeable membrane fabrics were used, with differences in air permeability and water tightness) were analyzed. During all processes basic operational parameters, the biofilters were controlled, including surface load, volumetric load, duration of gas contact with the filling layer, flow rate, and pressure drops (in the biofilter and on the membrane). The analyzed gases were characterized by very high variability of VOC concentrations (ranging from 350 ppb to 11,170 ppb). The effectiveness of VOC removal (RE_voc) was calculated by comparing the analytical results of raw and purified gases. The effectiveness of VOC removal with the application of traditional biofiltration during the experiment varied between 82% to 97% and was related to different parameters of the filling materials (mainly specific surface and moisture), reaching lower value for the mix of stumpwood chips and bark filling. The obtained results showed that the application of membrane improved the efficiency of biofiltration in all the analysed cases from 7% to 9%. The highest effectiveness was obtained using the filter bed in the form of stumpwood chips, bark, and compost in connection with the more permeable membrane. It was maintained between 96% to 99%, reaching an average value of 98%. The selection of the membrane should be determined by its permeability and the values of flow resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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13 pages, 1319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of MVOCs Produced by Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta Growing on WPC Boards by Using Subtraction Mass Spectra

by Mateusz Kozicki, Anna Wiejak, Michał Piasecki and Alicja Abram

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142499 - 13 Jul 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3373

Abstract

Volatile fungal metabolites are responsible for various odors and may contribute to a “sick building syndrome” (SBS) with a negative effect on the heath of building. The authors have attempted to fill the research gaps by analyzing microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) originating from representatives of the Basidiomycetes class that grow on wood-polymer composite (WPC) boards. WPCs have been analyzed as a material exposed to biodeterioration. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is affected by the increased use of WPCs inside buildings, and is becoming a highly relevant research issue. The emission profiles of MVOCs at various stages of WPC decay have been demonstrated in detail for Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta, and used to set the European industrial standards for wood-decay fungi. Differences in the production of MVOCs among these species of fungi have been detected using the thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) method. This study identifies the production of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and other compounds during one month of fungal growth. The identified level of metabolites indicates a relation between the level of air pollution and condition of the WPC material, which may become part of IAQ quantification in the future. The study points to the species-specific compounds for representatives of brown and white-rot fungi and the compounds responsible for their odor. In this study, 1-Octen-3-ol was indicated as a marker for their active growth, which is also associated with SBS. The proposed experimental set-up and data analysis are a simple and convenient way to obtain emission profiles of MVOCs from microbes growing on different materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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16 pages, 8429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption Performance of Activated-Carbon-Loaded Nonwoven Filters Used in Filtering Facepiece Respirators

by Małgorzata Okrasa, Jörn Hitz, Aleksandra Nowak, Agnieszka Brochocka, Christoph Thelen and Zbigniew Walczak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(11), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111973 - 04 Jun 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3000

Abstract

Filtering nonwovens loaded with activated carbon are among the most popular materials used in the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with anti-odour properties that can be used for respiratory protection at workplaces where the occupational exposure limits of harmful substances are not exceeded. Such FFRs, in addition to a polymer filter material of varying effectiveness, also contain a layer of activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter, which limits the quantity of chemical compounds entering the breathing zone. The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of challenge concentration (20–120 ppm), relative humidity (2–70%), flow rate (20–55 L/min), and flow pattern (steady-state and pulsating) on the breakthrough of polymer/carbon nonwovens. A commercial activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter was used in this study. Its morphology and textural parameters were determined using optical microscopy, image processing, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements at 77 K. Breakthrough experiments were carried out using cyclohexane vapours to assess adsorption characteristics of polymer/carbon media. The results showed that the breakthrough times decreased with increasing challenge concentration (up to 30%), relative humidity (up to 73%), and flow rate (up to 72%). The pulsating flow pattern was found to be more favourable in terms of odour reduction efficiency (up to 30%). The results indicate that all of these factors should be considered during selection and performance assessment of respirators used for odour relief. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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13 pages, 1959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Chlorobenzene Biodegradation by Delftia tsuruhatensis Using a Water-Silicone Oil Biphasic System

by Jie-Xu Ye, Tong-Hui Lin, Jing-Tao Hu, Rabin Poudel, Zhuo-Wei Cheng, Shi-Han Zhang, Jian-Meng Chen and Dong-Zhi Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(9), 1629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16091629 - 10 May 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3024

Abstract

In this study, a water–silicone oil biphasic system was developed to enhance the biodegradation of monochlorobenzene (CB) by Delftia tsuruhatensis LW26. Compared to the single phase, the biphasic system with a suitable silicone oil fraction (v/v) of 20% allowed a 2.5-fold increase in the maximum tolerated CB concentration. The CB inhibition on D. tsuruhatensis LW26 was reduced in the presence of silicone oil, and the electron transport system activity was maintained at high levels even under high CB stress. Adhesion of cells to the water–oil interface at the water side was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Nearly 75% of cells accumulated on the interface, implying that another interfacial substrate uptake pathway prevailed besides that initiated by cells in the aqueous phase. The 8-fold increase in cell surface hydrophobicity upon the addition of 20% (v/v) silicone oil showed that silicone oil modified the surface characteristics of D. tsuruhatensis LW26. The protein/polysaccharide ratio of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from D. tsuruhatensis LW26 presented a 3-fold enhancement. These results suggested that silicone oil induced the increase in the protein content of EPS and rendered cells hydrophobic. The resulting hydrophobic cells could adhere on the water–oil interface, improving the mass transfer by direct CB uptake from silicone oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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14 pages, 4446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Plasma Catalytic Oxidation of Toluene Using Monolith CuO Foam as a Catalyst in a Wedged High Voltage Electrode Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor: Influence of Reaction Parameters and Byproduct Control

by Juexiu Li, Hongbo Zhang, Diwen Ying, Yalin Wang, Tonghua Sun and Jinping Jia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(5), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050711 - 27 Feb 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3356

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission from anthropogenic sources has becoming increasingly serious in recent decades owing to the substantial contribution to haze formation and adverse health impact. To tackle this issue, various physical and chemical techniques are applied to eliminate VOC emissions so as to reduce atmospheric pollution. Among these methods, non-thermal plasma (NTP) is receiving increasing attention for the higher removal efficiency, non-selectivity, and moderate operation, whereas the unwanted producing of NO₂ and O₃ remains important drawback. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with wedged high voltage electrode coupled CuO foam in an in plasma catalytic (IPC) system was developed to remove toluene as the target VOC. The monolith CuO foam exhibits advantages of easy installation and controllable of IPC length. The influencing factors of IPC reaction were studied. Results showed stronger and more stable plasma discharge in the presence of CuO foam in DBD reactor. Enhanced performance was observed in IPC reaction for both of toluene conversion rate and CO₂ selectivity compared to the sole NTP process at the same input energy. The longer the contributed IPC length, the higher the toluene removal efficiency. The toluene degradation mechanism under IPC condition was speculated. The producing of NO₂ and O₃ under IPC process were effectively removed using Na₂SO₃ bubble absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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10 pages, 1789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Released Volatile Organic Compounds in Southern Yellow Pine before and after Heat Treatment

by Chen Wang, Zhiping Wang, Ye Qin, Xiaoqian Yin and Anmin Huang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(11), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112579 - 18 Nov 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3522

Abstract

As the main material in indoor furniture, southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment during use. To better understand variations in the contents of VOCs in southern yellow pine before and after heat treatment, this study conducts dry heat treatment on southern yellow pine at 140 °C and 220 °C. Headspace solid phase micro-extraction was used to extract VOCs from southern yellow pine. The VOCs of southern yellow pine before and after heat treatment were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and chemical component differences were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results reveal 86 VOCs in pure southern yellow pine, including alcohols, aromatics, acids, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, and some trace compounds (e.g., furans, ketones, phenols, and esters). With an increase in heat-treatment temperature, the contents of alkanes increased, whereas those of alcohols and alkenes decreased. The contents of aromatics, acids, and aldehydes were highest when heat treated at 140 °C. At 220 °C, the total contents of key VOCs in southern yellow pine were lowest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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10 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Biotoxicity of Water-Soluble UV Photodegradation Products for 10 Typical Gaseous VOCs

by Zhuqiu Sun, In-Sun Kang, Qianyuan Wu, Jinying Xi and Hongying Hu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071520 - 18 Jul 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3391

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) photodegradation is increasingly applied to control volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its degradation capabilities for recalcitrant compounds. However, sometimes the UV photodegradation products are also toxic and can affect human health. Here, 10 VOCs at 150~200 ppm in air were treated using a laboratory-scale UV reactor with 185/254 nm irradiation, and the biotoxicity of their off-gas was studied by investigating their off-gas absorption solutions. The CO₂ increase and VOC decrease were 39~128 ppm and 0~42 ppm, respectively, indicating that the VOCs and their products were mineralized in off-gas absorption solutions. The total organic carbon (TOC) of the absorption solutions are 4~20 mg∙L⁻¹. Luminescent bacteria and Daphnia magna were used to detect the acute toxicity, and an umu assay was used to determine the genotoxic potential. Trichloroethylene showed a highest toxicity to luminescent bacteria, while chlorobenzene had the lowest toxicity. Water-soluble UV photodegradation products for styrene are very toxic to Daphnia magna. In the umu assay, the genotoxicities of off-gas absorption solutions of trichloroethylene, methylbenzene, ethyl acetate, butyl alcohol, and styrene were 51.26, 77.80, 86.89, 97.20, and 273.62 mg (4-NQO)·L⁻¹ respectively. In addition, the analysis of the genotoxicity/TOC and intermediates products indicated that the off-gas absorption solutions of styrene, trichloroethylene, and butyl alcohol contain many highly toxic substances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamentals and Techniques for VOCs and Odor Control)

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