The use of activated carbon has been and still is common practice in deodorization installations, as it is one of the technologies that requires the lowest initial investment, as well as little maintenance. The current situation, in which the price of this raw material is rising steadily, has led to the search for new alternatives for chemical adsorbents that allows to eliminate or minimize the use of activated carbon, while maintaining or even improving its performance.

    This study aims to present alternatives to activated carbon and compare the filtration efficiency, both in capacity and reaction rate, for hydrogen sulfide, as well as their physical characteristics. The carbon footprints of each type of adsorbent being used will also be compared. The use of nearby raw materials, together with chemical engineering for the development of these new products, makes it possible to achieve better chemical adsorbents, less pollutants, more competitive prices and what is also important, more stable prices.

   Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), commonly found in the atmosphere, are odorous compounds with negative effects on human and environment. VOCs and odours emitted from industrial sources have been demonstrated as hazardous and annoying compounds which may cause negative effects on humans and environment.

   The control of these compounds is therefore a key action by the plant managers in order to avoid complaints and negative impacts. In this study, microalgae and bacteria were implemented in a vertical tubular photobioreactor for the biodegradation of toluene, used as model VOC. Chlorella vulgaris strain was chosen as photosynthetic platform due to their high adaptability to adverse environmental conditions.