Optimization Process for Bio-Depolymerization of Lower Rank Indian Coals with Reference to Carbon and Nitrogen Sources

V. Selvi¹*, Rintu Banerjee² and L.C.Ram¹    

¹Environmental Management Division, Central Fuel Research Institute, Division, PO, FRI, Dhanbad - 828 108 (India) ²Microbial Biotechnology and Down Stream Processing, Agricultural & Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, (India.)

ABSTRACT: In this study, the effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the bio-depolymerization of some lower rank coals by the action of Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Aspergillus species were studied in a batch system. The pH of the media reached a constant value of about 7.8 by microbial action regardless of the initial starting value. In case of higher initial pH, higher solubilization was achieved. Lignite was having higher solubility and bituminous coal exhibited the smallest extent of solubilization and appears to be unsuitable for this kind of treatment. Subbituminous coal, which has the rank in between the other two coals, gave medium solubilization values under all conditions employed. For further study lignite was used along with other carbon and nitrogen sources for increase the efficiency of depolymerization. The sucrose was the suitable carbon source for coal depolymerization by Pleurotus djamor and sodium nitrated followed by urea was the best nitrogen source in liquid media.

KEYWORDS: Bio-depolymerization; Lignite; Pleurotus, Sub bituminous coal; White rot fungus

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