Streamlining the biodesulfurization process: development of an integrated continuous system prototype using <i>Gordonia alkanivorans</i> strain 1B
Tiago P. Silva, Susana M. Paixão, João Tavares, Filipe Paradela, T. Crujeira, J. Carlos Roseiro, Luís Alves
Abstract
-heptane with dibenzothiophene and three alkylated derivatives (with 109 ppm of sulfur), 72% biodesulfurization was achieved by repeatedly passing the same fuel through the system, maintaining a constant response throughout sequential biodesulfurization cycles. Lastly, the system was also tested with real fuels (used tire/plastic pyrolysis oil; sweet and sour crude oils), revealing increased desulfurization activity. These results highlight the potential of the continuous biodesulfurization system to accelerate the transition from bench to commercial scale, contributing to the development of biodesulfurization biorefineries, centered on the valorization of sulfur-rich residues/biomasses for energy production.