Abstract: Methods and systems for producing short carbon chain weak organic acids (e.g., acetic acid) from a gas stream rich in carbon dioxide. The systems include a liquid-gas contact unit a flue gas desulfurization unit), and a bacterial strain disposed in the liquid-gas contact unit. The bacterial strain reduces a concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas stream, and produces one or more organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, or combinations thereof). Related methods include providing a gas stream rich in carbon dioxide, introducing the gas stream into a liquid-gas contact unit, preparing an inoculum comprising a bacterial strain adapted to produce organic acid(s) from the carbon in the gas stream, and inoculating the liquid-gas contact unit with first amount of the inoculum such that the bacteria therein consume carbon dioxide from the gas stream, producing the organic acid(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants in waste materials (e.g., sludge and combustion wastes from a coal-fired power plant). The systems described in the present application include at least one waste treatment unit (e.g., a flue gas cleaner or a waste lagoon) that includes one or more selected bacterial strains disposed therein consume and/or reclaim at least a portion of the heavy metal in the combustion wastes. Methods include inoculating a waste treatment unit with one or more selected bacteria that consume and/or reclaim at least a portion of the heavy metal in the combustion wastes. Methods may include periodic reinoculation of the waste treatment unit with fresh bacteria and period recovery of the bacteria from the waste treatment unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inhibiting buildup of crystalline materials in a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) unit. Crystalline materials can accumulate in FGD units as a byproduct of chemical desulfurization processes and can adversely impact FGD unit function. The systems described in the present application include an FGD unit with one or more selected bacterial strains disposed therein. It is believed that the bacteria may form a biofilm on the surfaces in the FGD and/or form a biosurfactant to inhibit or prevent buildup of crystalline materials in the FGD unit. Methods include inoculating an FGD unit with one or more selected bacteria that inhibit or prevent buildup of crystalline materials in the FGD unit. Methods may include periodic reinoculation of the FGD unit.