ABSTRACT
Microbial processes are under development for the removal of sulfur from coal and for the removal of hazardous organic materials from coal-conversion wastewater. Thus we know that microorganisms are active in the presence of coal and coal-derived substances. Since coal, especially the low-ranked type, has a structure somewhat similar to lignocellulosic material, it could be expected to undergo interaction with lignin-degrading microorganisms. Such interactions with both fungi and bacteria have now been verified by several research groups. The primary emphasis in the research on microbial coal solubilization has been on screening tests for a variety of organisms with several different types of coals. Several tests were carried out to observe the interaction between the organisms and coal particles in aqueous suspension. Particles of coal were suspended by pumping the solubilization fluid through the column; then the effluent was returned to the reservoir, where it was aerated prior to recycle.
