What Are the Treatments for Hydrogen Sulfide?

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas which is denoted by the symbol H2S. It is a gas which has no color but has a characteristic strong odor. It has a smell which resembles that of rotten eggs. The gas is mainly used in industrial units, and poisoning is rare. In case of poisoning, emergency physicians need to treat the patient as soon as possible by quickly identifying the degree of poisoning because a delay in providing medical attention can prove fatal. There are a few treatments available for hydrogen sulfide.

Chlorination

• Chlorination is one of the most common ways to treat water for hydrogen sulfide presence. It involves adding chlorine (or household laundry bleach) to the water tanks. Chlorine reacts with hydrogen to form yellow sulfur particles that cling to the walls of fixtures. A sand filter and regular backwashing could easily remove these particles to provide clean, odorless water.

Aeration

• Aeration treatments for hydrogen sulfide rest on the premise that sulfide transforms into sulfate on coming in contact with oxygen. Injecting compressed air (because air contains oxygen) in the water tank to treat impure water by the help of aeration is a good treatment method. The air should, however, be constantly removed to prevent air blockages in the system.

Carbon Filters

• Carbon filters also come handy for hydrogen sulfide removal from water. These absorb the sulfide particles and separate them to cleanse water. The filters must be replaced periodically to avoid excessive accumulation of sulfur particles. While all the treatments for hydrogen sulfide work effectively to treat water for sulfur's presence, purchasing treatment equipment from reputed dealers and marketers prove to be add-ons. This increases the credibility and efficiency quotients.

Laboratory Treatments

• Hydrogen sulfide is also used in various laboratory experiments. It has been noticed that hydrogen sulfide is particularly useful in detecting certain varieties of anions and cations. Hydrogen sulfide poisoning normally takes place in a controlled environment if H2S gas is used indiscriminately by laboratory personnel or when excessive H2S is mixed into the ambience through leakage. The key solution to H2S gas poisoning is proper ventilation. The circulation of air would drive away the harmful vapor of hydrogen sulfide through exhaust fans.