Hydrogen sulfide in wastewater can cause immediate problems, as well as long-term problems. Many products take care of the issue upstream but don’t tackle it at the source, so it doesn’t send the problem further downstream. ATS Innova MB products eliminate H2S-generating microbes, remediating the problem at the source, saving you money and helping prevent health hazards.
How Does Hydrogen Sulfide in Wastewater Collection Systems Develop?
H2S, a dense and colorless gas, is produced by bacterial processes that corrode infrastructures, impairs wastewater treatment performance, and affects human health. The gas also gives off a toxic odor. Hydrogen sulfide in wastewater forms in the gelatinous slime layer that collects in pipe walls and in the sludge blankets while feeding on volatile fatty acids or VFA’s. Sulfide exists in wastewater in three forms: hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), non-volatile ionic species hydrogen sulfide, (HS) and Sulfide. (S2)
The ratio of each of these three species is dependent on the pH. The higher the concentration of H2S, the greater the tendency for it to volatilize. Hydrogen sulfide naturally occurs through the anaerobic decay of organic matter. It’s most recognized by the tell-tale sign of rotten egg odor and uses sulfate as an energy source with the byproducts of hydrogen sulfide. The rate of sulfide production depends on sulfate concentrations of:
- Sulfate ions
- Organic matter
- Dissolved oxygen
- Temperature
- pH
- Retention time
- Stream velocity
- Surface area
Treatment of Hydrogen Sulfide in Wastewater
Hydrogen sulfide can be treated in a few ways which include preventing sulfide formation and removing the sulfide after it forms; the goal should be the former. Reducing its habitat, VFA’s, and sulfur, while increasing oxygen, helps reduce or eliminate odors. Of course, removing sludge with bioaugmentation will prevent the formation of H2S in the first place. Removing hydrogen sulfide after it develops is more of a challenge.
ATS Innova MB tackles the gas formation with a synergistic application of six or seven Bacillus strains in various rations. Along with a proprietary blend of ingredients, these two enhance the microbial community’s ability to degrade organic material in wastewater. However, it eliminates H2S at the source, not downstream for someone else to deal with – a major headache. Not only does Innova MB remove sludge and reduce odors, but it also increases floc formation and settling characteristics while reducing COD/BOD levels.
Contact ATS Innova to Learn More about Our MB Product Line
We can schedule a FREE plant walk-through and answer questions. Subsequently, we can create a targeted water treatment program perfect for your situation. We invite your call to 855.215.4600 and hope you’ll allow us to take care of your most pressing wastewater treatment issues. At ATS Innova, our team of water experts can discuss with you your concerns with hydrogen sulfide in wastewater.
