Fungal treatment of lignites with higher ash and sulphur contents using drum type reactor

Biological desulphurization is a good option because of simple equipment, easy operation, and low cost advantages. In this study, biodesulphurization of low rank lignites having high ash and sulphur content was investigated through a drum reactor using Alternaria sp. fungus which provided high removal of sulphur at erlen scale in our previous study. Designing of experiments, analysing of experimental results, creating the mathematical models and optimization of conditions were performed using Central Composite Design Method. Experimental work resulted in about 20% sulphur removal, about 21% ash removal and about 42% reduction in sulphur emission values. Analyses showed that both pyritic (17% removal) and organic sulphur (about 19% removal) were reduced. Besides, after biotreatment, FTIR, SEM-EDS, TGA-DTA analysis as well as volatile matter and major oxide analysis were carried out. Furthermore, data for increasing sulphur removal in drum type bioreactor and moving to larger scale by enhancing solid ratio were provided.