[Aqueous oxidation of SO2 with microbial method].
The desulfurizations in dilute sulfuric acid solution, acidic ferric solution, acidic ferrous solution, microbial solution (Thiobacillus ferrooridans) and microbial culture medium solution were conducted to discuss biodesulfurization mechanism. The effect of Fe3+ concentration, Fe2+ concentration, SO2 concentration and temperature on biodesulfurization was examined on SO4(2-) concentration in the solution. Biodesulfurization has two ways: direct oxidation and indirect oxidation. In direct oxidation, Thiobacillus ferrooxridans oxidize S(IV) to S(VI). In indirect oxidation, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans can fast transform Fe2+ to Fe3+ in acidic conditions and then increase aqueous catalytic oxidation capacity of Fe3+ on SO2. It shows that indirect oxidation is the dominant way in biodesulfurization process. The desulfurization efficiency increase with concentration of Fe3+ or Fe2+ in the range of 0-1.2 g/L. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans enforce oxidation of SO2 in Fe3+ /Fe2+ system. The removal of SO2 decrease as concentration of SO2 increase, however, concentrations of SO4(2-) in the solution do not vary much in different inlet concentrations of SO2. Temperature has important effect on biodesulfurization. The optimal operative temperature range is 30-40 degrees C.