Barrier and carrier effects of n-dodecane on the anaerobic degradation of benzothiophene by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans.

n-Alkanes affect the degradation of aromatic sulfur compounds both in aerobic and in anaerobic conditions. Some authors have reported anaerobic desulfurization by sutfate-reducing bacteria. These catalytic reactions are biphydrodesulfurizations (BHDS). n-Dodecane has a barrier or carrier effect on benzothiophene degradation in the absence (growing cell condition) or presence (resting cell condition) of hydrogen in the head space of the batch. In addition, thermodynamic factors are very important in benzothiophene and dibenzothiophene degradation by the microorganism Desulfovibrio desulfuricans.