Bio-desulphurization of makum (Assam) coal

Abstract

In the present study an attempt has been made to carry out investigation on bio-desulphurization of high sulphur coal. For this purpose, coal containing high sulphur has been obtained from Makum area of Assam. Initially, the samples received were subjected for detailed characterization studies including proximate and ultimate analysis to ascertain various constituents such as C, H, N, S, ash percentage and moisture content etc. Further, the experiments were carried out to study the desulphurization using a bioreactor for a period of 15 days at 32°C with initial pH 2.5 in presence of thermophilic microbes. During the studies different parameter such as variation of pH, reduction of sulphur, ash and nitrogen were analysed. From the studies it was possible to reduce 53.64% Ash, 42.15% Nitrogen and 8.62% Sulphur over a period of 15 days.