Numerical comparisons between the pyrolysis mass spectra of twelve US coals and their relative solubility in microbial cultures or alkaline buffer
Year: 1988
Type: article
Abstract: Curie-point pyrolysis mass spectra of twelve low-rank US coals with various degrees of natural weathering were correlated with the results of biosolubility screening tests involving six selected microorganisms as well as with a specially designed alkaline solubility test. The main objective of this study was to determine which mass spectral characteristics, if any, correlate with the degree of biosolubility. The results indicate the possible presence of two biosolubilization trends, a main trend which correlates positively with the presence of severely oxidized aromatic moieties in the coal and apparently enables biosolubilization by all six microorganisms, and a second trend which correlates with relatively high concentrations of acid components and enables biosolubilization by only two or three of the organisms. The chemical and biological significance of these trends is not yet completely understood. Finally, in agreement with previous reports a strong positive correlation was observed between biosolubility and alkaline solubility. 10 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.
Authors: Guang-Perng Yeh, B. Ward, David Quigley, D. L. Crawford, H.L.C. Meuzelaar
Language: English
Subfield: Ocean Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1604417194