magnesium-trisilicate and dibenzothiophene

To remove dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyl-dibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) adsorbed on alumina, silica and sepiolite through biodesulfurization (BDS) using Rhodococcus Rhodochrous spp., that selectively reduce sulfur molecules without generating of gaseous pollutants.. The adsorption of DBT and 4,6-DMDBT was affected by the properties of the supports, including particle size and the presence of surface acidic groups. The highest adsorption of both sulfur-containing organic molecules used particle sizes of 0.43-0.063 mm. The highest percentage removal was with sepiolite (80 % for DBT and 56 % for 4,6-DMDBT) and silica (71 % for DBT and 37 % for 4,6-DMDBT). This is attributed to the close interaction between these supports and the bacteria.. Biodesulfurization is effective for removing the sulfur-containing organic molecules adsorbed on inorganic materials and avoids the generation of gaseous pollutants.

Topics: Adsorption; Aluminum Oxide; Biodegradation, Environmental; Magnesium Silicates; Rhodococcus; Silicon Dioxide; Sulfur; Thiophenes