Elemental sulphur in microbiologically desulphurized coals

摘要: Abstract Aerobic, acidophilic mixed cultures containing predominantly chemolithoautotrophic Thiobacillus ferrooxidans oxidized 90% of pyritic sulphur from a German bituminous coal when incubated in an airlift reactor at pH values 2.6 to 1.8 for 12–28 days with pulp densities 2–30%. The complete balance measured by elemental analysis the indicates that total amount removed (35–40%) does not correspond pyrite oxidized. This is due increase insoluble sulphate sulphur, analysed as basic mineral jarosite. At below 1.9 formation jarosite was prevented, but difference between plus and usually claimed be ‘organic’ increased under these conditions. previously indirectly determined fraction proved consist unchanged organic sulphur. accumulates during chemical oxidation ferric ions. considerable amounts observed only one out four coals analysed.