Recent advances in the field of microbial physiology demonstrate that carbon monoxide is a readily used substrate by a wide variety of anaerobic micro-organisms, and may be employed in novel biotechnological processes for production of bulk and fine chemicals or in biological treatment of waste streams. Synthesis gas produced from fossil fuels or biomass is rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Conversion of carbon monoxide to hydrogen allows use of synthesis gas in existing hydrogen utilizing processes and is interesting in view of a transition from hydrogen production from fossil fuels to sustainable (CO2-neutral) biomass. The conversion of CO with H2O to CO2 and H2 is catalyzed by a rapidly increasing group of micro-organisms. Hydrogen is a preferred electron donor in biotechnological desulfurization ofwastewaters and flue gases. Additionally, CO is a good alternative electron donor considering the recent isolation of a CO oxidizing, sulfate reducing bacterium. Here we review CO utilization by various anaerobic micro-organisms and their possible role in biotechnological processes, with a focus on hydrogen production and bio-desulfurization.

中文翻译：

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微生物CO转化及其在合成气净化和生物脱硫中的应用。

微生物生理学领域的最新进展表明，一氧化碳是多种厌氧微生物易于使用的底物，可用于生产散装和精细化学品的新型生物技术工艺或废物流的生物处理。由化石燃料或生物质生产的合成气富含氢和一氧化碳。一氧化碳向氢气的转化允许在现有的氢气利用过程中使用合成气，并且鉴于从由化石燃料制氢到可持续的（CO2中性）生物质的转变，这是有趣的。一团迅速增加的微生物催化了CO与H2O向CO2和H2的转化。在废水和烟道气的生物技术脱硫中，氢是优选的电子供体。另外，考虑到最近分离出一氧化碳的硫酸盐还原细菌，一氧化碳是一种很好的替代电子供体。在这里，我们回顾了各种厌氧微生物对一氧化碳的利用及其在生物技术过程中的可能作用，重点是制氢和生物脱硫。