Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.16 Biofiltration without
a liquid phase used to treat
vapor-phase pollutants. Air
carries the volatilized
contaminants upward through a
porous medium (e.g., compost)
containing microbes acclimated
to break down the particular
contaminants. The wastes at the
bottom of the system can be
heated to increase partitioning to
the gas phase. Microbes in the
biofilm surrounding each
compost particle metabolize the
contaminants into simpler
compounds, eventually
converting them into carbon
dioxide and water vapor.
Treated air - CO 2 and H 2 O
Biological
media tray
(compost)
Airflow
Biological
media tray
(compost)
Volatile organic compounds
The key is understanding the scientific basis of any design. In these tech-
nologies, the physics, chemistry, and biology dictate success and failure in green
systems.
Pollution Prevention
Our discussion of treatment control prompts the question: “Why not prevent
pollution in the first place?” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
defines pollution prevention as “The use of materials, processes, or practices that
reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source. It includes
practices that reduce the use of hazardous materials, energy, water or other
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