Biodesulfurization of Petroleum Distillates—Current Status, Opportunities and Future Challenges

Abstract

Sulfur oxide (SO 2 ) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) are considered as one of the major air pollutants in the world today. In addition, high sulfur levels in petroleum distillates can promote the deactivation of catalysts through poisoning in fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) during hydrocracking of the heavy distillates to lighter ones. The presence of high sulfur-containing compounds in the process streams could cause corrosion of piping and fittings and equipment, thereby damaging the pipelines and leading to air emissions of sulfur-containing compounds, which are undesirable for mankind and his environment. In many cases, a large quantity of SO x is released into the atmosphere when petroleum distillates that contain substantial amount of sulphur-containing compounds are used as fuel and combust. In this article, a short overview of different desulfurization methods that are employed to remove sulfur from petroleum distillates is provided. In particular, the review concentrates on biodesulfurization technique. In addition, this article intends to provide its readers current status of biodesulfurization (BDS). It critically analyses the trend in the development of the technology to showcase its strength and weakness that could pave a way for future opportunities. Approaches that are suitable to remediate sulfur-contaminated environment are discussed as well. Lastly, speculations on future directions or opportunities that require exploration are provided as a way of provoking the thoughts of researchers in this field.

Animal bone affluence in environmental reclamation: Biodiesel production, petro‐diesel biodesulfurization and wastewater photo‐treatment

“…T here is a worldwide depletion of high-quality, low sulfur content oil reserves, together with an increased concern regarding climate change and strict environmental regulations concerning the sulfur content in transportation fuels. 1 The main two suggested sustainable solutions for such challenges are the biodesulfurization (BDS) of transportation fuels 2 and the production of biofuels. 3 Biodesulfurization can be used as an alternative to conventional high-cost hydrodesulfurization (HDS) technology, or can complement it.…”

Recent Advances in Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Frameworks for Efficient Desulfurization of Fuels

“…Metabolism of organosulfur compounds and C-S bond cleavage by bacteria is suggested to proceed either through reduction of C-S bond and oxidation of C-S bond, or through oxidation of C-C bond (Kodama pathway) [71,72]. Although BDS has several advantages over conventional desulfurization processes, it can be uneconomical due to the additional cost associated with culturing the bacteria [73]. Other important drawbacks include phase change (fuel-aqueous phase) and stability of cells in the presence of fuel species.…”

“…There are indeed some benefits associated with SCW, such as increase in liquid yield, precipitation of sulfur saturated compounds, and H 2 generation through water gas shift. To discuss further on industrially applicable methods for desulfurization is beyond the scope of this review; thus, for more information, we direct readers to some excellent reviews on this topic provided by Javadli et al [61] and Srivastava et al [44], as well as advances in biodesulfurization by Sadare et al [73].…”

Prospective Approach to the Anaerobic Bioconversion of Benzo- and Dibenzothiophene Sulfones to Sulfide

“…A number of industrial and environmental problems associated with the possible presence of sulfur compounds in fuel are still not completely resolved. In this regard, the development of new, efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective methods for the desulfurization of hydrocarbon raw materials remains relevant [1,2]. The problem associated with the control and management of chemical transformations of S-containing molecules is important, because the sulfur compounds present in fuel, even in low concentrations, lead to the inactivation of chemical catalysts and rapid equipment wear.…”

“…[3]. Biodesulfurization is a promising alternative to the traditional chemical method of controlling chemical transformations of S-containing molecules; it is based on the use of living aerobic (oxidative pathway: 4S and Kodama) or anaerobic (reductive pathway: C–S Cleavage) bacterial cells [1,2,4].…”