COST-effective and environmentally-friendly odour removal for industrial use will soon be available, thanks to novel biotechnology from Murdoch University researchers.

Water and waste management expert Professor Goen Ho is collaborating with researchers from Macquarie University, as part of the Environmental Biotechnology CRC (EBCRC).

The new technology is based on the integrated and combined application of technologies underlying biofilter operation for odour removal.

EBCRC researchers have developed a way to harness bacteria to biodegrade odour causing substances.

Prof Ho says current odour removal technologies such as incineration, adsorption and scrubbing, are energy intensive, expensive and require the use of ongoing chemicals and treatment of chemical by-products.

However, the latest odour removal technology functions as a biofilter.

“It relies on micro-organisms and their enzymes, but the structure that supports the micro-organisms does not decompose like compost,” he says.

“Rather, it relies on a naturally occurring mineral that has special properties suitable for use in a biofilter.

“Additionally, a coating agent assists with the retention of the micro-organisms for rapid start-up of the operation of the biofilter.”

“The particles are of a self-contained, self-regenerating odour absorption and destruction system that can be customised to suit different users.

“The odour control process has the capacity to replace currently used biofilters, which although effective in removing many odours, deteriorate over time and eventually fail.”

The EBCRC, with industry members, will commercialise the technology for application in industry and local governments, according to Prof Ho.

Prof Ho says the technology is universally applicable and globally marketable.

The initial application of the technology will be at the South Metropolitan Regional Council Resource Recovery Centre, which processes municipal solid waste, and at a Water Corporation wastewater treatment plant.

Prof Ho, along with PhD student Sebastian Vitzhum von Eckstaedt and the EBCRC, has been researching the technology for nearly three years and he says the biggest challenge will be ensuring each of the components works well both individually and when integrated.