Journal of Applied Sciences1812-56541812-5662Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jas.2005.1385.1390ShiraziHoma Keshavarzi Ayoob Torkian Ali Akbar Azimi 8200558Biofiltration of Triethylamine (TEA) vapor from waste gas was evaluated in this study. Experiments were conducted on a 6 L three-stage biofilter containing a mixture of compost and wood chips (40:60 v/v) as the filter medium. Seed inoculum was obtained from municipal activated sludge and an initial acclimation period of three weeks was allowed prior to data acquisition. TEA elimination rate pattern was evaluated by varying loading rates (6-116 g m-3h-1) and hydraulic detention times (40-60 sec) while maintaining operating temperature at 30 ± 1 °C and humidity at 50-55%. Results showed that Organic Loading Rates (OLR) of up to 114.4 g -3h-1 can be handled without any apparent indication of maximum elimination capacity and substrate inhibition. The elimination capacity of this biofilter could reach up to 72 g m-3h-1. When the loading of TEA exceeded this critical value, substrate inhibition occurred and the elimination capacity decreased. However, the requirement of keeping the pressure drop below 1000 Pa m-1 to avoid operational problems warranted lower than maximum capacity operation. The optimal OLR values of 90 ± 14 g m-3h-1 is suggested for Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) value of 48 sec. Under these conditions, elimination capacity of 71 ± 3 g m-3h-1 and removal efficiency 81 ± 14% were achieved.]]>Strikauska, S., D. Zarina, A. Berzins and U. Viesturs,19991175179Wani, A.H., A.K. Lau and R.M.R. Branion,199974916Busca, G. and C. Pistarino,200316157163Yoon, I.K. and C.H. Park,200293165169Burgess, J.E., S.A. Parsons and R.M. Stuets,2001193563Borger, T., A. Salden and G. Eigenberger,199736231241Tang, H.M. and S.J. Hwang,199646349354Chou, M.S. and W.Z. Shiu,1997475865Auria, R., G. Frere, M.E. Acuna and S. Revah,200068448455Hodge, W.C. and J.S. Devinny,19971253577577McNevin, D. and J. Barford,20005231242Bohn, H.,1992883440Ottengraf, S.P.P.,19861986pp: 426-452pp: 426-452Devinny, J.S., M.A. Deshusses and T.S. Webster,1999pp: 67-68pp: 67-68