Feasibility test of biological degradation of heterocyclic sulfur compounds in anaerobic state

Anaerobic biodegradability for sulfolane and thiolane was investigated in s oil and anaerobically digested sludge. Biochemical methane potential was pe riodically quantified to assess biodegradability of microorganisms degradin g the compounds prepared in the closed glass vessel. Relatively lower conce ntration of thiolane adopted in the test was hardly degraded in the soil. M oreover, its degradation was hindered in anaerobic digest sludge. In constr ast, sulfolane was readily decomposed in both the soil and the anaerobic sl udge. It is concluded that subsequent occurrence hindered in anaerobic dige st sludge. In constrast, sulfolane was readily decomposed in both the soil and the anaerobic sludge. It is concluded that subsequent occurrence of thi olane as one of intermediates generated from the reduction of sulfolane wou ld retard the remediation of the concerned area polluted with sulfolane and thiolane.