Two-layer continuous-process design for the biodesulfurization of diesel oils under bacterial growth conditions

An aqueous–organic two-layer partitioning and continuous process was designed to make efficient use of growing cells for the biodesulfurization of diesel oils. This biphasic system was shown to have a significant advantage over batch and fed-batch processes in the maintenance of the biodesulfurization activity for an extended period of time. Specifically, it was demonstrated that in a 2-L bioreactor 1500 ppm total sulfur was removed from 250 ml diesel oil within a 5-day period.