Scientists in Iran have discovered a fungus named Stachybotrys, which can remove sulfur and nitrogen from heavy crude oil, which are the main causes of acid rain. This fungus grows naturally in crude oil and in buildings, where damage due to water causes mold growth, and removes sulfur at about 30 degree Celsius. According to scientists, this is a cheaper and completely eco-friendly way to remove sulfur. The standard technique to desulpharize oil was to react hydrogen with oil at temperatures nearing 455 degree Celsius and pressure about 21 million Pascal’s (204 times atmospheric pressure), but the results were not satisfying.
Recent tests conducted using fungus showed 76% removal of sulfur in just three days, much more effective than the technique being used today as well as more effective than the use of bacterium for removal of sulfur which takes more time. Scientists and oil companies are looking forward to this technique as the standard for sulfur emissions are high and strict.Research is also going on for the removal of sulfur through a non-biological process or a chemical process, which would work faster and give better results.
Image:asm
via:cleantech