title: Microbial solubilization of coal.
abstract: Several different strains of fungi have been shown to solubilize some types of low-ranked coal, apparently by an extracellular process. Oxidative pretreatment enhances the microbial action, allowing the use of a variety of coal feedstocks. The resulting product, which is primarily a mixture of polar organic compounds with moderate to high molecular weights and a high degree of aromaticity, is water-soluble. Possible processing concepts include the use of continuous bioreactors configured as either fixed or fluidized beds.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Strandberg
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Lewis