Biodesulfurization of DBT in tetradecane and crude oil by a facultative thermophilic bacterium Mycobacterium goodii X7B

Mycobacterium goodii X7B, a facultative thermophilic bacterium, cleaving the C–S bond of dibenzothiophene via a sulfur-specific pathway, was investigated for DBT in tetradecane and crude oil desulfurization. The extent of growth was improved by fed-batch culture controlled at a constant pH. The total sulfur level of dibenzothiophene in tetradecane, was reduced by 99%, from 200 to 2 ppm within 24 h at 40 °C. After 72 h treatment, 59% of the total sulfur content in Liaoning crude oil was removed, from 3600 to 1478 ppm.