Removal of odour-causing compounds using carbonaceous adsorbents/catalysts prepared from sewage sludge

This paper discusses H₂S, NH₃ and VOCs removal by sewage-sludge-derived materials with outstanding chemical and textural properties. These materials were obtained from different precursors using different chemical and thermal treatments. Results show that the H₂S removal process entailed a catalytic conversion of H₂S to S or SO₄²⁻ species. On the other hand, adsorption is the main mechanism governing the performance of sludge-based materials for NH₃ and VOCs. Retention capacities (x/M values) obtained for some of the sludge–based adsorbents/catalysts are similar to those obtained with commercial activated carbons selected as reference materials.