Microbial desulfurization of coal and oxidation of pure pyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidianus brierleyi

Abstract

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidianus brierleyi were capable of oxidizing pure pyrite as well as oxidizing sulfur in coal. First order reactions were assumed in the kinetic analysis performed. For oxidation of pure pyrite the rate constant was higher for A. brierleyi than for T. ferrooxidans. For sulfur removal from coal the values of the rate constants were comparable for the two microorganisms. © 1995 Society for Industrial Microbiology.