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U.S. Department of Energy
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Genetic approach to microbial coal desulfurization

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6685970
 [1]
  1. Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, IL (USA). Dept. of Microbiology
Naturally occurring sulfur bacteria such as Thiobacillus and Sulfolobus can remove inorganic sulfur from coal. We hope to contribute to the development of genetically engineered bacteria which can remove the organic sulfur effectively. A process which used an appropriate mixture of bacteria to remove both types of sulfur from coal should be inexpensive and produce harmless waste products. We are cloning genes from an Escherichia coli mutant with the ability to oxidize thiophene derivatives in order to enhance this ability. We are also cloning plasmid-borne genes from wild dibenzothiophene degrading strains. By putting together the best genes from various organisms we hope to construct an efficient desulfurizing bacterium. 25 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.
Research Organization:
Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, IL (USA). Coal Extraction and Utilization Research Center
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/FE
DOE Contract Number:
FC22-89PC89904
OSTI ID:
6685970
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/89904-T15; ON: DE90016756
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English