Abstract: A method of operating a facility that produces an emission air stream containing gas phase organic compounds includes providing a bio-oxidation system including a solid, biologically active filter material containing a population of thermophilic microbes. The emission air stream is supplied to the bio-oxidation system at a temperature of at least about 50° C., whereby the emission air stream passes through the bio-oxidation system in contact with the biologically active filter material. Conditions conducive to sustaining the population of thermophilic microbes in the biologically active filter material are maintained in the bio-oxidation system.

Abstract: A biological filter apparatus for biological degradation of contaminants in an air stream is operated by passing the air stream through a filter chamber containing a structure supporting a population of microbes and collecting water that drains from the structure and spraying the collected water onto the structure, whereby the sprayed water is recirculated. Upon start up or re-start of the filter apparatus, a nutrient composition is added to the recirculating water. The nutrient composition contains a buffering agent, sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, and sources of trace elements selected from manganese, calcium, iron and sodium.

Abstract: A composite wood product is manufactured by heating and pressing wood materials in contact with a mixture of resin and urea. Gases that evolve from the heating and pressing of the wood materials, resin and urea are collected and are passed through a biological oxidation system to remove volatile organic compounds.