Aims: DSO (Disulfide Oil) is a byproduct of oil and gas refinery that is produced during demercaptanization process. The main components of DSO are dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), methyl ethyl disulfide (MEDS), and diethyl disulfide (DEDS). In this study, sulfur removal from DSO was investigated for the first time in the world by biological desulphurisation (BDS). Thus, the aim of this study was the biocatalytic removal of sulfur compounds from disulfide oil.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, DSO was under biodesulfurization by two species, Rhodococcus Re68 and Rhodococcus FMF, in 200ml flasks under aerobic conditions for 4 days and covered flask for 10 days in the presence of glycerol. The DSO decomposition rate was measured by Gas Chromatography (GC) after extracting the residual of the medium by isooctane.
Findings: DSO decomposition rate by Rhodococcus Re68 in aerobic conditions and covered flask conditions was 46.7% and 57.18%, respectively. Also, the DSO decomposition rate by Rhodococcus FMF in aerobic conditions and covered flask conditions was 47.56% and 63%, respectively.
Conclusion: The amount of disulfide oil transformation and its components including dimethyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide, and methyl ethyl disulfide are very significant by Rhodococcus Re68 and FMF. Rhodococcus Re68 and FMF bacteria use disulfide only as the sources of sulfur and cannot grow on them as the source of carbon and energy.