Treatment of Methyl Bromide Off-Gases (Phase II)

The overall objective of Phase II is to further develop and optimize biotrickling filtration of methyl bromide and to demonstrate the technology in the field. At the end of Phase II, the Energy Resource Institute should be in the unique position of being able to commercialize biotrickling filter systems for the safe and reliable treatment of methyl bromide air streams from fumigations. Supporting objectives to be achieved during Phase II are to: 1. Complete the characterization of the pure, methyl bromide degrading microorganisms obtained in Phase I and select the best strains to be used in biotrickling filters. 2. Design, construct and test a new load-dampening system (laboratory-scale). 3. Design and construct a mobile pilot-scale biotrickling filter (including the load dampening system) for field demonstrations of effective methyl bromide treatment. 4. Demonstrate sustained and effective methyl bromide treatment at least at one quarantine fumigation facility, and at least one field fumigation. For the latter, this will include demonstration of a new collection system (two-layer tarp) to improve capture of methyl bromide from soil fumigations. 5. Develop a mathematical model of the load dampening-biotrickling filtration system to be used for system scale-up, system sizing, and for cost evaluation. 6. Fully evaluate the costs of the proposed technique, apply for patents and develop market opportunities.