Aims: Today, crude oil is one of the main sources of energy. The combustion of sulfur-containing compounds in fossil fuels leads to the production of sulfur oxides that has adverse effects to human health and the environment. At the moment, the current method for removal of sulfur is Hydrodesulfurization. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of magnetic nanoparticles and modified carbon nanotubes as nano-adsorbent on improving the biodesulfurization activity of microorganisms (Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8).
Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, the nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and the carbon nanotubes were initially carboxylated. Multi-layer carbon nanotubes were mixed with 95% sulfuric acid and 52% nitric acid (volume ratio 1:3) and, then, modified by polyethylene glycol. In order to characterize nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray diffraction, magnetic surveys, analysis of arch Raman, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted.
Findings: The size of nanoparticles was estimated to be 7-8nm and modified carbon nanotubes showed the highest solubility as well as stability in deionized water for two weeks. The growth of microorganisms in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes compared to their absence increased by 40% and 8%, respectively. Moreover the desulfurization activity of microorganisms in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes showed a significant increase compared to their absence.
Conclusion: Nanoparticles with adsorption of sulfur compounds increase their availability for microorganisms.