Deep Desulfurization of Extensively Hydrodesulfurized Middle Distillate Oil by <i>Rhodococcus</i> sp. Strain ECRD-1

Abstract

Dibenzothiophene (DBT), and in particular substituted DBTs, are resistant to hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and can persist in fuels even after aggressive HDS treatment. Treatment by Rhodococcus sp. strain ECRD-1 of a middle distillate oil whose sulfur content was virtually all substituted DBTs produced extensive desulfurization and a sulfur level of 56 ppm.