Sunday, July 26, 2009
P49

Microbial Contaminants of Biodiesel and Diesel Fuel

Loryn L. Bowen1, Marlin D. Vangsness1, Ellen M. Strobel2, Lori M. Balster1, Susan S. Mueller1, Lisa M. Brown1, and Lt. Diana Dalrymple2. (1) Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Dayton Research Institute, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, (2) Afrl-Rztg, United States Air Force, 1790 Loop Road North, Wpafb, OH 45433

In diesel and biodiesel fuels, microbial contamination has led to filter plugging and system malfunctions.  As the Air Force moves toward the use of more alternative fuels these problems are expected to continue in the future.  Microbial contamination within these fuels occurs when the presence of water and debris enter fuel through pipelines, pumps, and storage tanks.  Poor housekeeping practices can accelerate the natural progression and consequences of water entering into fuel systems.  A group of twelve diesel and biodiesel samples were obtained from retail locations in the Pacific Northwest of the US.  The storage tanks, from which these samples were collected, had been cleaned years previously.  All tanks sampled contained water beneath the fuel layer and each of the locations reported filter plugging and corrosion of components in the fuel distribution system.  Since there has been little research published on the microbial flora proliferating in these fuels, there is a need to investigate the issue of microbial contamination and its effect on fuels and fuel system components.  A series of microbiological tests and genetic analyses were performed on the fuel samples.  Microbial identification results were obtained through sequencing of the 16S and 18S small ribosomal subunits of the contaminating bacteria, fungi, and yeast.  Results demonstrate that the samples exhibited a diverse microbial population and environmental microbes can survive and thrive in these fuel sources.  The information in this study will be used to develop a strategy for mitigating microbial contamination in biodiesel, diesel, and future work on alternative fuels.

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