Biodesulfurization of Fossil Fuels- an Overview

Since the industrial revolution mankind has been dependent on fossil hydrocarbon fuel for a very large proportion of total energy needs. Many of the fluid forms also had lower sulphur content than coal and were therefore more attractive from the environmental impact standpoint. Combustion of sulfur-containing compounds in fossil fuels emits sulfur oxides, which can cause adverse effects on health, environment and economyTherefore, there is a need to develop technologies that can remove sulphur pollutants.The stringent new regulations to lower sulfur content in fossil fuels require new economic and efficient methods for desulfurization of recalcitrant organic sulfur. Hydro desulfurization of such compounds is very costly and requires high operating temperature and pressure. Biotechnology offers an alternative way to process fossil fuels. There have been several important advances in the elucidation of the mechanisms of biodesulfurization. The low sulphur fuels, however, are limited in supply and future energy needs indicate that, until alternate non-hydrocarbon energy sources can be fully developed, there will be an increasing reliance on heavier hydrocarbons, including coal, heavy oils, bitumens, etc., all of which tend to be relatively high in sulphur.This article highlighting the great importance of the biodesulfurization process like how biotechnology may provide a ‘greener’ way to avoid acid rain, Molecular biology and metabolic engineering.