Unexpected Insights: Raw Sub-Bituminous Coal Outperforms Gamma-Irradiated Coal in Bio-solubilization  with Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Arina Findo Sari; Zharifa G. Rasul; Jamela B. Sampulna

doi:10.37251/jouabe.v2i1.2152

Arina Findo Sari Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University
Zharifa G. Rasul Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and
Jamela B. Sampulna Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37251/jouabe.v2i1.2152

Keywords: Biosolubilization, Energy-Equivalent Products, Gamma Irradiation, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Sub-Bituminous Coal

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation treatment on sub-bituminous coal in the bio-solubilization process using Phanerochaete chrysosporium and to characterize the bio-solubilization products of raw and irradiated coal under laboratory conditions.

Methodology: This study used sub-bituminous coal from South Sumatra, gamma irradiated with an Irpasena irradiator, and biosolubilized with Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Instruments included a Precision® shaker incubator, Novel® microscope, Hanna® pH meter, Shimadzu® GC-MS, and Shimadzu® UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed statistically using T-test with SPSS version 20 software.

Main Findings: The results revealed that raw coal exhibited higher solubilization efficiency compared to irradiated coal, indicated by a greater increase in soluble phenolic (0.95 mg/mL) and aromatic compounds (1.42 mg/mL), as well as higher protein production. GC-MS analysis confirmed that raw coal generated more diverse and abundant metabolites, including phenolic and aromatic derivatives, while irradiated coal produced fewer compounds. Statistical analysis (T-test, p < 0.05) supported the significant differences between treatments. These findings suggest that gamma irradiation does not enhance, and may even inhibit, coal bio-solubilization ..

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides new evidence that gamma irradiation does not enhance, but rather reduces, the bio-solubilization efficiency of sub-bituminous coal by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The findings challenge the common assumption about irradiation benefits and contribute to advancing knowledge by highlighting the superior performance of raw coal in producing energy-equivalent products.

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