Methods, processes and apparatus for biological purification of a gas, liquid or solid; and hydrocarbon fuel from said processes

Abstract

This invention relates to improved methods, processes and apparatus for the removal of sulfides from a gas, liquid or solid (substance) wherein the substance is contacted with an aqueous solution. The instant invention presents methods and processes wherein at least one of H2S, SO2 and CS2 is chemically converted in an aqueous media to a salt and/or compound comprising sulfur and a cationic moiety. Said salt and/or compound comprising sulfur and a cationic moiety is herein termed a “Sulfur Salt”. After formation of the Sulfur Salt, the Sulfur Salt is converted to elemental sulfur with a bacterium capable of metabolizing sulfur. The preferred bacterium for metabolizing sulfur is a strain from the genus Thiobacillus. The most preferred strain from the genus Thiobacillus is Thiobacillus denitrificans. The instant invention prefers an aqueous operating pH of between 6.0 and 8.0, while the most preferred aqueous pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.