Dynamic Modeling of Hydrogen Sulfide within Enclosed Environments in Biosolids Recovery Facilities.

Hydrogen sulfide emissions from wastewater affect human health and equipment durability, thus presenting a complex issue for utilities. Several VOC emission models have been used before to predict H2S in collection systems and water resources recovery operations, even if with restrictions. By contrast, fewer studies focus on biosolids emissions and modelling. This paper presents a dynamic modelling approach to predict H2S concentration in a tank headspace of a wastewater biosolids recovery facility. Data from one of the largest Portuguese water resources recovery facilities was collected under different facility operating modes. The developed model adequately predicted H2S concentration, with R2 values of 0.89 and 0.78, for different periods of the year, thus showing how modelling may reliably contribute to utility operation decisions.