Use of Sulfate Reducing Cell Suspension Bioreactors for the Treatment of SO sub(2) Rich Flue Gases

An introductory overview is presented of a recently developed bioscrubber concept for biological flue gas desulfurization. The proposed methodology operates based on the recycling of a cell suspension of sulfite/sulfate reducing bacteria between a scrubber and a sulfite/sulfate reducing hydrogen-fed bioreactor. Techniques used to analyze hydrogen metabolism in sulfite/sulfate reducing cell suspensions included batch activity tests and monitoring of the operation of a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Results from testing showed that the maximum specific hydrogenotrophic sulfite/sulfate reduction rate increased significantly by crushing granular inoculum sludge and by cultivation of this sludge as cell suspension in a CSTR.