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Published on: March 22, 2024
Biogas-derived sulfur enhances microbial sulfuric acid production
Silja Välimets1, Anastasia Kalampaka2, Marion Sumetzberger-Hasinger2
1acib GmbH - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
Biogas-derived sulfur significantly enhances biological sulfuric acid production by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. This sustainable method offers a promising alternative to conventional industrial chemical production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Sulfuric acid is a vital industrial chemical with conventional production being energy-intensive.
- Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria offer a sustainable alternative for sulfuric acid generation under mild conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize biological sulfuric acid production using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.
- To evaluate biogas-derived sulfur as a substrate for microbial sulfuric acid synthesis.
- To characterize biogas-derived sulfur and understand its enhanced reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Screening of six Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans strains on chemical sulfur.
- Cultivation of selected strains on biogas-derived sulfur at varying concentrations (1% and 6%).
- Characterization of biogas-derived sulfur using SEM, contact angle measurements, and ATR-FTIR.
Main Results:
- Strain DSM 14887 exhibited the highest sulfur-oxidation activity.
- Biogas-derived sulfur yielded significantly higher sulfate production (up to 2 M) compared to chemical sulfur (2.5- to 7-fold increase).
- Biogas-derived sulfur showed a more heterogeneous particle size and a more hydrophilic surface, enhancing microbial oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Biogas-derived sulfur is a superior substrate for microbial sulfuric acid production.
- This biological approach presents a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional sulfuric acid manufacturing.
- The unique properties of biogas-derived sulfur contribute to its enhanced reactivity and effectiveness.
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