Microbial CO conversions with applications in synthesis gas purification and bio-desulfurization.
Recent advances in the field of microbial physiology demonstrate that carbon monoxide is a readily used substrate by a wide variety of anaerobic micro-organisms, and may be employed in novel biotechnological processes for production of bulk and fine chemicals or in biological treatment of waste streams. Synthesis gas produced from fossil fuels or biomass is rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Conversion of carbon monoxide to hydrogen allows use of synthesis gas in existing hydrogen utilizing processes and is interesting in view of a transition from hydrogen production from fossil fuels to sustainable (CO2-neutral) biomass. The conversion of CO with H2O to CO2 and H2 is catalyzed by a rapidly increasing group of micro-organisms. Hydrogen is a preferred electron donor in biotechnological desulfurization ofwastewaters and flue gases. Additionally, CO is a good alternative electron donor considering the recent isolation of a CO oxidizing, sulfate reducing bacterium. Here we review CO utilization by various anaerobic micro-organisms and their possible role in biotechnological processes, with a focus on hydrogen production and bio-desulfurization.
Sipma
Jan
J
Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Henstra
Anne M
AM
Parshina
Sofiya M
SM
Lens
Piet N
PN
Lettinga
Gatze
G
Stams
Alfons J M
AJ
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000378:metabolism*; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D005579:Fossil Fuels; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods; D014866:Waste Products
D005579:Fossil Fuels; D013431:Sulfates; D014866:Waste Products; D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D006859:Hydrogen