Experimental Investigation of Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigation in Sewer Systems with Modified Adsorbent Material and Development of a Laboratory-Scale Sewer Model
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) emissions in sewers pose persistent odor issues and significant challenges for wastewater management systems. This study investigates the potential of biochar derived from drinking water alum and iron sludge as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional iron-based sulfide control methods. Two-phase material adsorption screening tests were conducted using deionized water-sulfide solution and secondary wastewater-sulfide solution. In the first phase, biochars demonstrated superior performance over non-pyrolyzed sludge, achieving sulfide removal rates exceeding 95%. The second phase revealed that iron sludge biochar produced at 500°C outperformed other materials in sulfide adsorption across various pH levels (8, 9, and 12), exhibiting a remarkable adsorption capacity of 182 mg/g. To evaluate practical applicability, a lab-scale sewer model with a recirculation system was developed, accurately simulating full-scale sewer conditions. This model serves as a proof of concept, laying the foundation for future studies to assess these alternative materials for sulfide odor control in more realistic sewer environments.