Browsing by Author "Aniruddha Kumar"

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Bacterial desulphurization of low-rank coal: A case study of Eocene Lignite of Western Rajasthan, India
(Taylor and Francis Inc., 2018) Alok K. Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; Prakash K. Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Alok Kumar
High sulfur lignite samples collected from Giral mine was subjected to desulfurization using bacteria Burkholderia sp. GR 8–02 isolated from native lignite. A removal of 50.69% of total Sulfur (St) has been observed. The reduction in hydrogen and ash content was found up to 2.92% and 14.78%, respectively. In addition, relative carbon (up to 12.81%) and nitrogen (up to 34.52%) has also been increased. An increase in the relative concentration of volatile matter and fixed carbon (up to 19.47% & 3.29%) has been detected. In addition, the desulfurization of high sulfur lignite with Burkholderia sp. GR 8–02 increased the calorific value from 5.24% to 20.74%. © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Beneficiation of High Sulfur Tertiary Coal of Assam with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02. An Eco-Friendly Approach Toward Clean Coal Production
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Aniruddha Kumar; Asha Lata Singh; Pramod K. Rajak; Alok Kumar; Prakash K. Singh
The high sulfur content in North-East Indian coal is one of the primary challenges with using it as an energy source. Therefore, the present study uses Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02 to explore coal beneficiation from the Tipong mine (T20 and T60) in Assam (North-East India). Various particle size fractions (−125 to +210 µm, −210 to +250 µm, −250 to +297 µm, −297 to +400 µm and −400 to +500 µm) were treated and subjected to petrographic and chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectral analysis. The results revealed a 39.04% and 32.43% reduction in total sulfur for T20 and T60 samples, respectively. The ash content decreased by 19.79% in the T20 coal sample and by 24.52% in the T60 coal samples, with a relative decrease in the mineral matter content of approximately 17.43%. Following beneficiation with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02, the −125 to +250 µm coal fraction exhibited maximum ash removal. The T20 sample useful heating value increased from 8116 to 8203 kcal/kg and the T60 sample from 8060 to 8210 kcal/kg. X-ray diffraction and FTIR patterns showed mineral phases like quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite. The FTIR spectra indicated altered C-S, SO2, and C=O bonds. The thermal profile showed a 12.54% mass loss difference between untreated and treated coal samples, suggesting lower thermal stability post-treatment without affecting the useful heating value (UHV). The treated coal’s surface leaching and morphological structure changes were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images. Raman analysis revealed increased carbon crystallinity and molecular structure in treated coal. This study offers an environmentally friendly and efficient approach to clean coal production. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Biodegradation of Reactive Yellow-145 azo dye using bacterial consortium: A deterministic analysis based on degradable Metabolite, phytotoxicity and genotoxicity study
(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Asha Lata Singh; Sneha Chaudhary; Sunil Kumar; Aniruddha Kumar; Achuit Singh; Akhilesh Yadav
Azo dyes are used at larger-scale as coloring agent in the textile industry. It generates a huge amount of dye containing wastewater and its toxicity threatens all kinds of life and also impacts human beings. At present, more impetus is being given to the biological treatment of dye effluent because of its azoreductase enzyme action to break down azo bond which leads to decolorization and degradation of dye. Bacterial consortium of E. asburiae and E. cloacae (1:1 ratio) was used for degradation and decolorization of Reactive Yellow-145 (RY-145) dye. The optimization of dye concentration, temperature, pH, and media has been carried out to determine the conditions required for maximum degradation and decolorization. The mixed consortium (10%) has shown 98.78% decolorization of RY-145 dye under static condition at 500 mgL−1 concentration, 35 °C and pH 7.0 at 12 h contact period. FTIR analysis showed formation of new functional groups in the treated dye, such as O–H stretch at 1361 cm−1, C–H stretch at 890 cm−1, N–H stretch at 1598 cm−1 and aromatic C–H at 671 cm−1 revealing degradation of dye. Biodegraded metabolites of RY-145 dye were identified through GC-MS analysis that includes 2-Cyclohexen-1-ol, 5-Nitroso-2, 4, 6-triaminopyrimidine, Octahydroquinoline-9-hydroxyperoxide, Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, 9-Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, respectively which have industrial applications. Cyclohexane was used in gasoline and adhesive while Octahydroquinoline-9-hydroxyperoxide and 5-Nitroso-2, 4, 6-triaminopyrimidine were used in manufacturing drugs. Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, 9-Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester are antimicrobial and antioxidant. Phytotoxicity test also showed non-toxic effects of treated dye on germination of Cicer arietinum and Vigna radiata seeds. Similarly, genotoxicity study indicated less toxic effects of biodegraded dye products on Mitotic index (MI) and cell division of Allium cepa. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Bioremediation of chromium (VI) from mining-contaminated soil using Klebsiella sp. (BH-A1): environmental implications
(Springer, 2025) Anjali Srivastava; Asha Lata Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; Alok Kumar
The present investigation aimed to isolate and identify a novel bacterium from chromium (VI)-contaminated soil samples collected from the Gorbi mine area, Singrauli coalfield, evaluates its potential for Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) and enhances environmental and operational conditions to apply this in bioremediation of Cr-contaminated soils. A bacterium was newly isolated from contaminated soils of coal mines for chromium (VI) reduction and identified as Klebsiella sp. (BH-A1) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Calcium chloride and sodium alginate solutions were used to immobilize the bacterial cells of isolated Klebsiella sp. Bacteria beads (Klebsiella sp. BH-A1) were tailored to reduce 10 µg/g Cr(VI)-contaminated soil under varied environmental factors such as bead biomass (200–1000 mg), pH (5–8), temperature (25–35 °C), and nutrient sources. Beads of Klebsiella sp. (BH-A1) (1000 mg/g) were efficient for 87% reduction of 10 µg/g Cr(VI) present in the soil at pH 7, 30 °C, within a six-hour contact period. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses reveal varied functional groups like –OH, –NH, and –COOH in Cr-treated bacterial beads. Functional groups corroborate their involvement in Cr(VI) and Cr(III) absorption on the cell surface of bacteria. Chromium-treated Klebsiella sp. (BH-A1) cell size was wider due to chromium absorption than the non-treated bacterial cells after SEM analyses. The energy dispersive X-ray plot has proven the 0.41 weight percent chromium accumulation inside the bacterial cells. Moreover, XPS analyses of Cr-treated bacterial cells indicate reduced Cr(VI) into Cr(III). The finding further suggests that Klebsiella sp. (BH-A1) might be a new prospect for potential application in Cr detoxification from Cr-contaminated soil. The limitations of this research include the accumulation of hazardous metabolic products due to low diffusion rates, the formation of thick biofilms blocking bead pores, and interrupted substrate transport from the bulk liquid to immobilized cells. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.
Comparative investigation of bio-beneficiation of Kasnau-Matasukh lignite using native microorganisms
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Aniruddha Kumar; Pramod K Rajak; Asha Lata Singh; Rajesh Kumar; K.N. Singh; Prakash K Singh
In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to beneficiate lignite using Burkholderia sp. GR 8–02, Bacillus sp. XQW, and mixed consortium. The experiments showed that Bacillus sp. XQW could remove 18.18–37.50% of total sulfur followed by mixed consortium (18.18–29.17%) and Burkholdria sp. GR 8–02 (9.09%-29.17%). There was also a concomitant decrease in the content of mineral matter as revealed in decrease of ash yields from 10.02 to 29.12% by Bacillus sp. XQW followed by 11.74–29.10% by Burkholderia sp. GR8-02 and 9.93–29.30% by mixed consortium. During the biotreatment of lignite, a reduction in the volatile matter and oxygen was also observed. Study through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), petrography, and chemistry of lignite samples provided more insights into the changes in the calorific values as well as the chemical attributes of the lignite after bacterial treatment. The study revealed an increase in the Gross calorific value (6417–7234 cal/g) and Net calorific value (6522–7190 cal/g) of the lignite following the bacterial treatment. Thus, bacterial treatment of the lignite samples proved to be an effective tool for the upgradation of lignite. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Control of different pyrite forms on desulfurization of coal with bacteria
(Elsevier Ltd, 2013) P.K. Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; M.P. Singh
The present paper entails the role of different pyrite forms during desulfurization of Nagaland coals of north-east India. This coal contains a considerable quantity of pyrite which occurs in various forms like framboidal, disseminated, cavity and fissure fillings, massive replacement and discrete grains. The discrete pyrite grains show strong affinity with liptinite and inertinite macerals while rest of the forms show low to moderate correlation with different macerals. The correlation between different pyrite forms and desulfurization reveals that the coal samples rich in disseminated pyrite have undergone minimum desulfurization followed by framboidal pyrite rich coal samples. These pyrite forms probably caused difficulty in desulfurization due to their small size, complicated structure and their highly scattered occurrences. The maximum removal was observed in samples rich in cavity and fissure filling pyrite. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Demineralization of Gondwana coal with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1: a case study of coal from Gopinathpur top and bottom seams of Mugma mine, Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India)
(Springer Verlag, 2016) Prakash K. Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Mahendra P. Singh; A.S. Naik; Dharmshila Singh; Spardha Rai; Aniruddha Kumar
In the present investigation an attempt has been made to demineralize the Gondwana coal of Gopinathpur top and bottom seams of Mugma mine, Raniganj coalfield, Dhanbad with the help of Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1. The change in the amount of ash yield and decrease in the concentration of selected minor elements like Na, K, Mn and Ca and environmentally sensitive selected trace elements such as Cd, Pb, Se, Ni, Mn, and Zn have been studied as a function of time of bacterial treatment as well as with variation in the bacterial biomass. After 28 days of bacterial treatment there was variable amount of decrease observed in ash yield as well as in the concentration of minor and trace elements. The removal of the elements was further enhanced with the increase in the bacterial biomass from 10 to 25 mg/mL. Due to over exploitation of superior grade coals in the country, the remaining coal resources, available for current use, are inferior in grade and contain high level of impurities and there is ample scope of bio-beneficiation of these coals using bacterial biomass. © 2016, The Author(s).
Demineralization of Rajmahal Gondwana coals by bacteria: Revelations from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) studies
(Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd, 2015) Asha Lata Singh; Prakash K. Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; Mahendra P. Singh
The present paper entails the results of the demineralization of the Rajmahal Gondwana coals of India with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1 and its signatures revealed in the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The XRD study reveals the reduction of pyrite phase in the coal samples after bacterial treatment due to bio-oxidation of pyrite and the appearance of few new phases of jarosite. Moreover, the intensity of jarosite peaks has been noticed to increase after the bacterial treatment. The FTIR spectra of the bacterial treated Rajmahal coal samples indicate shifting of the absorption peaks as compared to the control samples. The oxidation of pyrite due to the bacterial action and its conversion into jarosite is indicated by the stretching of OH bond at 630 cm-1 peak. While the bacterial action on clay minerals in all the samples is indicated by the stretching of bonds at 1114 cm-1 to 430 cm-1 peaks.
Demineralization Study of High-Ash Permian Coal with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1: A Case Study of the South Karanpura Coalfield, Jharkhand, India
(American Chemical Society, 2018) Aniruddha Kumar; Alok K. Singh; Prakash K. Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Mrityunjay K. Jha
This paper entails the results of demineralization carried out on Karanpura Gondwana coals having high ash (30.57-21.80%) and low sulfur (0.29-0.20%) contents. The coal samples were subjected to demineralization using Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1, and the effect of various parameters, such as pH, temperature, incubation time, and pulp density, was observed. Optimum values of demineralization were found at pH 6.0, temperature of 35 °C, 6.0% (w/v) pulp density, and incubation time of 7 days. Reduction in the mineral matter (mean of 13.72-29.10%) content led to a relative increase in vitrinite, inertinite, and liptinite macerals. Further, the treatment has also caused an increase in the useful heat value, gross calorific value, and net calorific value of coal from 4824.86 to 5192.06 cal/g, from 5396.72 to 5647.47 cal/g, and from 5059.30 to 5273.80 cal/g (mean values), respectively. The method is eco-friendly and useful in obtaining clean fuel. © 2017 American Chemical Society.
Desulfurization of Giral lignite of Rajasthan (Western India) using Burkholderia sp. GR 8–02
(Routledge, 2022) Aniruddha Kumar; Alok K Singh; Prakash K Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Binoy K Saikia; Alok Kumar
Present investigation entails the results of desulfurization of high sulfur Giral (Rajasthan-India) lignite with the help of Burkholderia sp. GR 8–02. Total sulfur varies from 3.73% to 7.91%, where inorganic sulfur is 2.17–3.82%, pyritic and Sulfate sulfur is 0.90–2.42% and 0.47–2.84%, respectively. Chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) were used in order to understand desulfurization. Bacterial treatment caused a significant reduction in total sulfur content ranging from 23.59% to 37.55%. Organic sulfur removal ranges from 11.06% to 20.54% while pyritic and Sulfate sulfur removal vary from 10.40–43.39% and 50.89–96.97%, respectively. In addition to desulfurization of lignite, the reduction in the ash yield and the volatile matter was also observed whereas there was a relative increase in the fixed carbon and elemental carbon content. Further, an increase in the gross calorific value from 3189 kcal/kg to 3482 kcal/kg was noticed. © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Desulfurization of selected hard and brown coal samples from India and Indonesia with Ralstonia sp and Pseudoxanthomonas sp
(2012) Asha Singh; Prakash Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; M. Singh
The present paper entails the investigations on the removal of total sulfur (St) from the coal samples of four coal and lignite fields of India and Indonesia by Ralstonia sp and Pseudoxanthomonas sp. Minimum desulfurization (in relative%) was observed in Nagaland coals (India) which contain maximum quantity of St (6.86%) among the samples of the studied area while higher removal (in relative%) was observed in coals containing relatively low quantity of St. Nevertheless, a positive correlation exists between St and removal percentage in samples of all coalfields indicating an increase in removal% with increasing concentration of St. The removal percent (with respect to its initial St) by Pseudoxanthomonas sp in the investigated area is in order of: Vastan (mean 41.84%) > Indonesian (mean 34.16%) > Nagaland (mean 18.26) coals. In case of removal by Ralstonia sp the order of removal % can be put as: Vastan (mean 45.50%) > Rajpardi (mean 42.93%) > Indonesian (mean 20.22%) > Nagaland (mean 11.83%) coals.
Desulphurization of Dibenzothiophene by Different Bacterial Strains: An Eco-Friendly Approach to Obtain Clean Fuel from Coal
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Aniruddha Kumar; Asha Lata Singh; Rajesh Kumar; Pramod K. Rajak; Prakash K. Singh
Coal is an important energy resource and many deposits contain a significant quantity of organic sulfur compounds. Combustion of coal releases SO2, CO2 and other gases into atmosphere and causes negative impact on the environment. Biodesulphurization of dibenzothiophene could be a prominent method for the removal of sulfur from coal. Here we successfully employed bacterial strains to degrade dibenzothiophene, and characterized through chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Strains of Ralstonia sp., Pseudoxanthomons sp. and Rhodococcus sp. were used in the present investigation. Only Rhodococcus sp. converted dibenzothiophene (DBT) into 2-hydroxy biphenyl (2-HBP) and was able to additionally break the C-S bond without disturbing heterocyclic structure of DBT ring. This is also complemented by blue color of Gibb’s assay which is indicative of DBT conversion into 2-HBP while brown color indicates complete consumption of DBT by bacteria. After two days of bacterial treatment, there was no further removal of DBT. DBT conversion into 2-HBP was monitored through HPLC during six days of experiment. Thus Rhodococcus sp. could be a proficient candidate for biodesulphurization of dibenzothiophene and eventually for biodesulphurizing organic sulfur rich coal with an eco-friendly and energy economical process. Though it is encouraging technique for desulphurization however more studies on coal are still required to support the industrial scale biodesulfurization. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Elemental Composition and Petrographic Analysis of Coal in the Sohagpur Coalfield With Implications for Environmental Management
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) Deepika Rathore; P. Gopinathan; Pramod Kumar Rajak; Aniruddha Kumar; Om Prakash Kumar; K. N. Singh; Amit Karmakar; T. Subramani
This paper aims to provide an overview of the geochemistry and mineralogical characterisation of coal within the Sohagpur coalfield, located in the Burhar–Amlai Sub Basin of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study involves the determination of proximate and ultimate analysis components, major elements, and trace elements by using various techniques, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), oranic petrography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Petrological studies identify the types of macerals and minerals associated in coals, assess their concentration, and examine their association with elements found in the coal samples. Our research also delves into the environmental implications of these elements, particularly those considered environmentally sensitive, such as As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Th and U. These findings are crucial for understanding the potential environmental impact associated with the utilisation of coal. This study identified several major sources of these elements within the coal, including silicate minerals (Quartz and Feldspar), oxides (Haematite, Rutile and Anatase), sulphides (Pyrite and Marcasite), sulphates (Gypsum) and carbonates (Calcite). Recognising these sensitive components is vital as they require mitigation or elimination before coal utilisation to minimise environmental risks. Our study delivers a valuable understanding of the geochemical composition and mineralogical characteristics of coal in the Sohagpur coalfield, highlighting the importance of environmental considerations in the utilisation of these resources. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Experimental study on demineralization of coal with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1 bacteria to obtain clean fuel
(Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd, 2014) Asha Lata Singh; Prakash K. Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; Akhilesh Yadav; Mahendra P. Singh
We present the results of the investigations carried out on the demineralization of coal of the Rajmahal Gondwana basin of India using Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1. Petrographically these coals are characterized by high concentration of inertinite macerals with subordinate amount of vitrinite and liptinite macerals. The mineral matter content occurs in high concentration which gives a high ash yield. This coal contains relatively high content of major, minor and trace elements when compared with the Clarke values in coal. After the bacterial treatment a considerable reduction in the elemental content of oxygen, hydrogen and sulphur was seen. Reduction in the ash content (>5%) was achieved and variable degrees of removal of the various major, minor and trace element concentration was also noticed. Nearly 59% removal of Mn, 53% of Na, 13% of Fe was achieved among the major/minor elements while nearly 54% of As, 41% of Cd, 39% of Cu, 34% of Ni, 32% of Zn, 13% of Cr, 43% of Co and 66% of Pb could be removed. Arsenic, Fe and Ca have a strong positive correlation with the ash removal percentage indicating that the samples having increased concentration of these elements are prone to demineralization with Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1. Whereas the elements like Ni, Zn, Cr and Cu maintain a strong negative correlation with the ash removal percentage indicating that their enrichment could have hampered the process of demineralization. © 2014 Energy Exploration & Exploitation.
Geochemical and mineralogical assessment of environmentally sensitive elements in Neyveli lignite deposits, Cauvery Basin, India
(Springer, 2024) Pramod K. Rajak; P. Gopinathan; Aniruddha Kumar; Om Prakash Kumar; Ishwar C. Rahi; Anupam Sharma; Prakash K. Singh; Amit Karmakar
This research work presents an examination of the concentrations and modes of occurrence of environmentally sensitive elements within lignite deposits, located in Neyveli, within the Cauvery Basin of India. Coal is one of the most complex geologically formed materials, consisting of organic and inorganic matter. The inorganic mineral matter including the crystalline minerals, non-crystalline mineraloids, and elements with non-mineral associations. These lignite samples underwent complete analysis encompassing macroscopic, microscopic and geochemical assessments. The analysis reveals that the total mineral matter (MM) content, comprising significant proportions of sulphides, carbonate and argillaceous components. Geochemical characterization further elucidates the lignite’s properties, with proximate analysis yielding values such as ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon and the Ultimate components analysis reveals the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen. Inorganic mineral matters play a significant role in coal utilization, and also such modes of occurrence of elements provide useful geochemical information on coal formation and coal-bearing basin evolution. In this paper, we assess the associations of elements and minerals, as well as the associations of selected elements including environmentally-sensitive (e.g., S, As, U, and Hg), and some major elements (e.g., Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, and Ti) that have largely occurred in non-mineral forms in these low-rank coals. And also, comparative analysis is conducted between the concentrations of elements within the lignite samples and the values reported for World Clarke Brown Coals (WCBC). Particularly, some of these elements exhibit significantly high environmental sensitivity, demanding careful consideration in lignite extraction and utilization practices. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.
Geochemical implications of minerals and environmentally sensitive elements of Giral lignite, Barmer Basin, Rajasthan (India)
(Springer Verlag, 2018) Pramod K. Rajak; Vijay K. Singh; Prakash K. Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Narendra Kumar; Om Prakash Kumar; Vishvajeet Singh; Aniruddha Kumar
The Barmer Basin of Rajasthan is significant for its Paleogene lignite sequences. The lignite seam occurs in Akli Formation of Barmer Basin at the depth of 06–241 m. A total of 57 lignite samples were collected from the working faces of lignite mine and were subjected to proximate analysis (moisture, ash yield, volatile matter, and fixed carbon), ultimate analysis (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur), elemental analysis (Fe, Ca, Mg, Cd, Mn, K, Na, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Pb) and rock-eval pyrolysis for mineral carbon (MINC). Some elements like Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Na, and K occur in high concentration, while Mg and Ca have their concentrations lower than World Clarke average. In addition, various minerals and functional groups present in the lignite samples were analyzed through X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The mineral (weight and atomic) percentage has also been analyzed through scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Investigation of the interference between organic and mineral matter in coal and carbonaceous shale using FTIR spectroscopy
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Alok Kumar; Grzegorz P. Lis; Aniruddha Kumar; Khairul Azlan Mustapha; Kacper Lis; Runcie P. Mathews; Prakash K Singh
Thirty-two coal (lignite-bituminous in rank) and carbonaceous shale samples, ranging from immature to overmature, were collected from the various coal-bearing basins (Saurashtra Basin, Bikaner Nagaur Basin, Damodar Basin, Mahanadi Basin, and Foreland Basin) in India and characterized petrographically (vitrinite reflectance and maceral composition), geochemically (total organic carbon and total sulfur) and chemically (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, FTIR). This paper explores utilization of FTIR study on bulk non-demineralized carbonaceous shale and coal to examine the interference between mineral and organic matter visible on FTIR spectra and application of such techniques to assess organic matter chemistry based on FTIR signal. Mineral matter is considerably affecting the organic matter FTIR signal in the region between 1700–1350 and 900–700 cm−1, while the 3100–2800 cm−1 region is unaffected. The general trends of organic matter evolution with thermal maturity, i.e. a decrease of aliphatic and oxygen-bearing groups and increase in aromatic signal, are visible in bulk non-demineralized samples; however, the interpretation of the signal is problematic due to the dilution-related signal weakening and region-specific overlapping. The quality of the FTIR signal is lower than the signal from demineralized kerogens or targeted specific maceral grains via combination of FTIR with microscopy. The spectra can still be useful for more qualitative aspects of FTIR, like assessment of organic functional groups, study of coal impurities, or as a complementary method in conjunction with other analytical techniques such as X-ray for mineral matter characterization. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Investigation of the interference between organic and mineral matter in coal and carbonaceous shale using FTIR spectroscopy
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Alok Kumar; Grzegorz P. Lis; Aniruddha Kumar; Khairul Azlan Mustapha; Kacper Lis; Runcie Paul Mathews; Prakash Kumar Singh
Thirty-two coal (lignite-bituminous in rank) and carbonaceous shale samples, ranging from immature to overmature, were collected from the various coal-bearing basins (Saurashtra Basin, Bikaner Nagaur Basin, Damodar Basin, Mahanadi Basin, and Foreland Basin) in India and characterized petrographically (vitrinite reflectance and maceral composition), geochemically (total organic carbon and total sulfur) and chemically (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, FTIR). This paper explores utilization of FTIR study on bulk non-demineralized carbonaceous shale and coal to examine the interference between mineral and organic matter visible on FTIR spectra and application of such techniques to assess organic matter chemistry based on FTIR signal. Mineral matter is considerably affecting the organic matter FTIR signal in the region between 1700–1350 and 900–700 cm−1, while the 3100–2800 cm−1 region is unaffected. The general trends of organic matter evolution with thermal maturity, i.e. a decrease of aliphatic and oxygen-bearing groups and increase in aromatic signal, are visible in bulk non-demineralized samples; however, the interpretation of the signal is problematic due to the dilution-related signal weakening and region-specific overlapping. The quality of the FTIR signal is lower than the signal from demineralized kerogens or targeted specific maceral grains via combination of FTIR with microscopy. The spectra can still be useful for more qualitative aspects of FTIR, like assessment of organic functional groups, study of coal impurities, or as a complementary method in conjunction with other analytical techniques such as X-ray for mineral matter characterization. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Mixed bacterial consortium as an emerging tool to remove hazardous trace metals from coal
(2012) Prakash K. Singh; Asha Lata Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; M.P. Singh
This paper presents the results of experimental work on the possibility of removal of environmentally sensitive trace elements from coal through treatment with mixed bacterial consortium. In the coals of Kalimantan area, Indonesia the metals like Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn have been found to occur in concentrations of 1.96, 59.34, 26.98, 102.68, 14.4 and 172.54 ppm respectively. The concentrations of these elements are higher when compared with Clarke values in bituminous coals. Mixed bacterial consortium has been used to explore the possibility of removal of these toxic trace elements. The result reveals that the bacterial consortium is efficient to remove more than 80% of metals like Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr while the removal of Pb is nearly 45%. The removal is seen in the order: Zn > Ni > Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Petrographic considerations in demineralization of coal with bacteria: A new dimension in understanding the clean coal technology
(Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd, 2014) Prakash Singh; Asha Singh; Aniruddha Kumar; Mahendra Singh
The present study reveals that there is close relation between the petrographic composition of coal and removal of major, minor and trace elements/metals with bacteria. While increase in total huminite concentration has favoured the removal of Cr, Ni, Pb and Mg, there is good removal of Cd and Cu with increase in liptinite content. Inertinite is found to be favourable for the removal of Cd, Fe and K. It is therefore important to take into consideration the petrographic composition of coal when trying for the beneficiation of coal with bacteria. This will be helpful in designing suitable strategy for the removal of environmentally sensitive elements/metals with the help of bacteria and to obtain clean fuel from coal.