Microbial solubilization of lignites

Biological solubilization and subsequent gasification of lignite samples from three of the largest reserves in this country, which are also characterized by high sulphur contents and low calorific values, were investigated in this project. Several white-rot fungi were screened for their ability to solubilize lignites and Phanerochaete chrysosporium was found to depolymerize Elbistan lignites with 60% efficiency. Acetate served perfectly as the primary carbon source. Whereas, اan lignites could be depolymerized only after lengthy pre-treatment with 8N HNO3 while Beypazari lignites were completely inert to biological attack. Gasification tests with the solubilize material revealed 21% energy recovery through gaseous methane product.