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Biosolubilization and liquid fuel production from coal

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Abstract

Recently, several microorganisms have been shown to be capable of directly solubilizing low-rank coals. This bioextract has a high molecular weight and is water soluble, but is not useful as a liquid fuel. This paper presents the results of studies to biologically solubilize coal and convert the solubilized coal into more useful compounds. Preliminary experiments have been conducted to isolate cultures for the serial biological conversion of coal into liquid fuels. Coal particles have been solubilized employing an isolate from the surface of Arkansas lignite. Natural inocula, such as sheep rumen and sewage sludge, are then employed in developing cultures for converting the bioextract into fuels. This paper presents preliminary results of experiments in coal solubilization and bioextract conversion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 72701, AR, Fayetteville

    M. D. Ackerson, N. L. Johnson, M. Le, E. C. Clausen & J. L. Gaddy

Authors
  1. M. D. Ackerson
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  2. N. L. Johnson
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  3. M. Le
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  4. E. C. Clausen
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  5. J. L. Gaddy
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Ackerson, M.D., Johnson, N.L., Le, M. et al. Biosolubilization and liquid fuel production from coal. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 24, 913–928 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02920304

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02920304

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