Date
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location Name
Room 11, Level 2
Name
Mitigating Liquid-Phase and Atmospheric Sulfide through Comprehensive System Analysis
Track
Collections
Description
This paper presents a case study on the efficacy of a data-driven, holistic system analysis for the mitigation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and microbially induced corrosion (MIC) within municipal wastewater collections. Traditional reactive, single-point dosing often fails to address the dynamic nature of sulfide generation; this study demonstrates a shift toward a three-phase diagnostic framework designed to stabilize the collection system’s oxidation-reduction potential (ORP).
Methodology and Technical Approach:
The analysis integrated empirical field data with hydraulic modeling to move beyond symptomatic "hot spot" treatment. The technical evaluation consisted of:
• Analytical Field Characterization: High-resolution liquid-phase monitoring was conducted using the methylene blue colorimetric method to determine total sulfide (S2-) concentrations, paired with electrochemical gas detection for atmospheric H2S mapping.
• Geospatial and Hydraulic Integration: Field data was correlated with GIS-mapped pipe geometry and Hydraulic Retention Times (HRT). Analysis of the Sellersburg system revealed extreme HRT variability, ranging from 1.94 hours at certain pump stations to over 24.6 hours in others, providing the anaerobic conditions necessary for sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) proliferation.
• Systemic Flux Identification: By tracing sulfide generation back to its systemic origins, the study identified key "pain points" where turbulence and pH fluctuations facilitated the rapid partitioning of liquid sulfides into the gas phase.
Findings and Results:
Initial system characterization identified critical sulfide loading, with total liquid-phase sulfides peaking at 17.5 mg/L and atmospheric H2S peaks reaching 730 Parts Per Million (PPM).
The implementation of a strategic, flow-paced chemical control strategy, utilizing the ETX and STX processes for advanced oxidation and biochemical prevention, successfully neutralized existing sulfide flux and inhibited downstream regeneration. The results underscore that a comprehensive understanding of HRT, pipe material dynamics, and stoichiometric demand is an essential prerequisite for achieving sustainable, long-term infrastructure protection and odor control.
Speakers