Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a common odorous gas produced in drainage system and is present in sewers and storm water drains. H2S forms quickly in the drainage systems due to the presence of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and besides causing malodor problem due to its low olfactory threshold, it also contributes to the deterioration of the drainage infrastructure by microbial-induced corrosion. There are numerous works on H2S removal in sewer system including precipitation, redox potential and pH control and even catalytic oxidation processes. However, an efficient, reliable and cost-effective process remains unrealized. This work reports the use of a multifunctional odor control (MOC) gel as a means to control H2S malodor in drainage system. The MOC gel releases disinfectants and metabolic inhibitors in controlled dosage to effectively control the population and inhibit the activity of SRB and other anaerobic bacteria responsible for odor emissions. It also releases catalysts that capture and remove dissolve sulfides in the drainage water. Laboratory study showed that the MOC gel can suppress SRB activity and H2S emission over a period of 35 days. A 12-month field study was carried out at a designated drainage infrastructures in Hong Kong through partnership with the Drainage Services Department of the HKSAR Government to examine the feasibility of applying MOC gel in storm drain nullah. The study involved continuous H2S monitoring of the drainage infrastructure and analysis of the water samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts, COD and dissolved sulfides. The 12-month field study was divided into 60-day background establishment followed by 4 test period that consists of 60-day deployment and 60-day washout. The MOC gel is effective suppressing microbial population and H2S emission as far as 2 km from the deployment point in storm water flow of 40 m3 per min. Only a modest amount of the gel (i.e., ≤ 1 Kg) is required to decrease H2S concentration in the drainage infrastructure to below 0.01 ppm from the background values of 1 ppm (Furthermore, the anaerobic bacteria population was decreased by 85 % over the same period of time.

Performance of a multifunctional odor control gel for H2S abatement in drainage system

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.