Petrographic considerations in demineralization of coal with bacteria: A new dimension in understanding the clean coal technology

Abstract

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.