Research Shows Activated Carbon Technology Is Number One For Odor Control

Hydrogen Sulfide, Butane Activity Also Effective

According to new research published in the July 2014 issue of Water Environment Research (WER) — the popular journal published by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) — activated carbon adsorption is the preferred way to control odors and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions. The research, conducted by Farhana Mohamed, James Kim, Ruey Huang, Huong Ton Nu, and Vlad Lorenzo, is this month’s open-access article.

“The featured study, which was conducted at the Bureau of Sanitation in Los Angeles, focused on a delineation of the relationship between operational parameters such as empty bed contact time and humidity as well as removal efficiency for odors, VOCs, and siloxanes,” said WER Editor-in-Chief Tim Ellis. “Mohamed, et al. found that activated carbon adsorption, a longtime stalwart for odor control, is the preferred method for not only eliminating odors, but also for removing other air-borne contaminants, provided that the cost can be controlled through efficient design and operation. Hydrogen sulfide breakthrough and butane activity were among the control strategies identified by the authors for effective operation.”

Formerly available to subscribers only, selected WER articles such as this one are available free to the public on a monthly basis through an open-access program. Click here to download the open access article, “Efficient Control of Odors and VOC Emissions via Activated Carbon Technology” by Farhana Mohamed, James Kim, Ruey Huang, Huong Ton Nu, and Vlad Lorenzo.

Published since 1928, WER features peer-reviewed research papers and research notes, as well as state-of-the-art and critical reviews on original, fundamental, and applied research in all scientific and technical areas related to water quality, pollution control, and management. Originally known as the Sewage Works Journal,WER is available in both print and online formats and receives approximately 300 new research submissions each year.

About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide. For more information, visit www.wef.org.