Reactive Barrier for Odour & Emissions Treatment

Challenge: Hydrogen Sulfide and Volatile Organics Odour Control for a Large Pond

An upstream energy producer faced persistent hydrogen sulfide (H2S) odour issues caused by anaerobic conditions in their process water storage ponds. Given the large pond surface area and volume, the client needed a cost-effective solution that could manage emissions at scale while minimizing chemical additives and energy consumption.

H2nanO's Solution

To tackle this, H2nanO demonstrated SolarPass, our passive advanced oxidation technology, which harnesses naturally occurring solar-UV light to generate hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in-situ, breaking down volatile and malodourous compounds into non-volatile forms. Applied as a thin layer at the water’s surface, SolarPass acts as a floating reactive barrier (FRB) to block, intercept, and treat odours like H2S.

Key results:

• Effective Emissions Mitigation – Achieved up to 98% emissions reduction for H2S and 72% for toluene (a representative VOC). Volatile compounds are oxidized to non-volatile species, eliminating emissions liability.
• 24-h Odour Control – While the oxidation process requires sunlight, SolarPass also functions as a physical barrier during low-sunlight periods, adsorbing volatile species and oxidizing them once sunlight returns, ensuring continuous odour control day and night.
• Simple, In-Situ Deployment – H2nanO validated ancillary systems including material deployment, collection, and containment for an in-situ floating reactive barrier. SolarPass materials are added as a slurry, float to the surface, and self-distribute within containment. Removal is equally simple using a surface skimmer and onshore collection equipment.

Full-Scale Impact

SolarPass delivered effective interception and treatment of H2S and VOCs, enabling our client to advance their water and emission management goals. Compared to conventional technology, SolarPass offers significant energy savings, off-grid functionality, and minimal chemical use. Beyond this project, SolarPass has been validated for passive odour management of volatile fatty acids, ammonia, and other VOC emissions while providing simultaneous water treatment.

By choosing SolarPass, our clients take a major step toward solving operational and environmental challenges. Together we’re leading the way in sustainable and cost-effective odour and emissions control. Have an odour or emissions challenge? Reach out explore how SolarPass can help!