Potential of biofiltration for VOCs and odor emissions control in African and Caribbean countries

Odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are typical products of industrial processes that may cause nuisances and potential environmental threats. Biofiltration is a mature technology that employs a biofilm and a water layer to eliminate odorous compounds and several pollutants in the exhaust gases. It has demonstrated to be economically and technically efficient. No publication was found regarding the utilization of biofilters in African and Caribbean countries (AF&CA); therefore, the purpose of this research was to assess the potential of biofiltration to be established in these regions. After an exhaustive literature review and the utilization of an online survey, several outputs regarding its potential to be implemented in these regions were found. Results indicate that South Africa and Nigeria represent the most feasible countries for a prompt establishment. In the case of the Caribbean countries, in the Dominican Rep., Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago emission targets for some VOCs in particular industrial sectors were found. However, in the case of Cuba this information was very restricted. The preliminary survey indicated that people recognize there are problems with odors, though, biofiltration was practically unknown by the participants. The results of this research indicate that Biofiltration is an emission control technology that has considerable applicability in both regions and its introduction will benefit remarkably several productive sectors in order to enable them to comply with regulations, and towards further implementation of sustainable technologies for the protection of the environment, while fostering improvement to human health.