VEGREVILLE, Alta. – There soon may be some olfactory relief for neighbors next to giant hog barns or sour gas flares thanks to a bit of peat moss and a little bacteria.
The distinct hog smell causing grief for farmers wanting to establish mega hog barns or neighbors living next to one may soon be reduced by filtering the air through peat moss laced with bacteria.
Richard Coleman, manager of the microbial research and development department at the Alberta Research Council, said once they identify the smell they look through their list of compatible bacteria.
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The bacteria extracts odors from the air and acts as a type of smell purifier, he said.
“The air passes through it and they pull out of the air what we don’t want in the air and use is as food.”
Solution to sour gas
Using the same principle the scientists believe they will have an answer to sour gas flare emissions within a year. The selected bacteria extract the sulfur from the air and turn it into a puddle of liquid sulfuric acid collected at the site.
“If we can get rid of hydrogen sulphide emissions that’s a plus. At least we’re making a dent in it.”
The technology would be used for small sour gas stacks in isolated areas. Some flares emit half a tonne of sulfur per day.
