| Abstract: | It has been demonstrated that ozone dosages of 0.06 lb and 0.78 lb per pound of lignin can reduce the optical density (in the visible range) of the latter by 82% and 92%, respectively. The reduction in color is accompanied by a shift in the molecular weight distribution of lignin from a broad peak of between 20,000 and 70,000 to lower molecular weight, species including substantial amounts possessing a molecular weight of 1000 or less. The cost of decolorizing a typical kraft paper bleach effluent is estimated to be under 50¢/1000 gal which compares favorably with competitive decolorizing processes. Lignin ozonation results in the production of a series of decolorized products which can serve as the sole source of carbon for a variety of microorganisms. Feasibility studies indicated that at least 40% of the ozonated material can be transferred into microbial biomass (protein) as well as other products of commercial interest such as fumaric acid and penicillin. |
