At the root of most odors generated from wastewater operations is hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a naturally occurring compound generated by bacterial breakdown or decomposition of organic material, both plant and animal, in anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions.
Exposure to hydrogen sulfide may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system. It can also cause apnea, coma, convulsions, dizziness, headache, weakness, irritability, insomnia and stomach issues. (Source – CDC)
Additionally, H2S is a major cause of odors in wastewater treatment systems and is notable for its toxicity and its ability to corrode various materials used in sewer and treatment plant construction. (Source – EPA)
Today wastewater professionals have a variety of alternatives at their disposal for wastewater odor control and H2S treatment. Each method has its pros and cons, which we cover in our White Paper Wastewater Odor Control Technology and Best Practices.
A preview of odor control treatment methods today include:
- Aqueous phase H2S treatment (traditional) – Traditional methods for treating hydrosulfides in the aqueous phase involve chemicals to either prevent the formation of H2S in the first place or eliminate it after being produced. These methods typically replace sulfates with nitrates, as the primary food source for the bacteria that generate H2S.
- Vapor phase H2S treatment (traditional) – Traditional vapor phase methods treat H2S after it has been generated, and rely on chemical or biological scrubbers to sequester H2S.
- Liquid Redox for H2S treatment (next generation) – Redox catalyst combined with an oxygen source (primarily hydrogen peroxide) to generate an oxidative reductive process that breaks apart H2S and converts it to elemental sulfur, which cannot reform into H2S. The process is biodegradable, non-toxic and regenerative.
Contact
Contact Streamline Innovations to learn more about next generation Redox solutions for odor control and determine if the TALON® Sulfide Elimination System is right for your wastewater facility.
Stewart North
Business Development Director, Municipal & Industrial
E: Stewart.North@streamlineinnovations.com
T: (859) 948-1638
About Streamline Innovations
Streamline Innovation’s vision is Eliminating Emissions Through Technology. We help heavy industry around the world achieve environmental performance objectives, improve sustainability, and transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Streamline’s environmentally forward H2S treating solutions help achieve the “E” in ESG. H2S is present in many industrial processes throughout the world. Our technology can be applied across industries, delivering a sustainable solution that eliminates H2S, a leading cause of human inhalation accidents and source of SO2 emissions, a primary cause of acid rain. TALON® chemistry treats effectively in both gas and water phases.
Streamline believes that achieving environmental sustainability directives requires data. Creating intelligent systems that operate effectively and efficiently without human intervention is critical to measuring and reducing emissions that harm the environment. We integrate advanced process control, data collection and analytics in our technologies to provide a total solution for customers.
We serve organizations in multiple sectors, including Energy/Oil & Gas, Biogas, Landfill Gas & Renewable Fuels, Municipal Wastewater and Industrial Air & Water.