Industrial processes, general comments

Inadvertent contact of molten aluminum and water may lead to an event termed a thermal explosion. These incidents may produce little vapor, but they are accompanied by sharp, local shocks which are potentially damaging to personnel and equipment. Although not a major problem to aluminum producers, they do occur in casting plants, and it is important that preventative measures be enforced. The same general comments apply to other metal processing industries such as steel and copper. 

A few comments Sulfur dioxide (S02) is a gas produced by volcanoes and from many industrial processes. It is sometimes used as a preservative in alcoholic drinks, or dried apricots and other fruits. Generally, the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur compounds such as coal and petroleum results in sulfur dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Beyond its irritating effect on the lungs, sulfur dioxide is also a threat to the environment, since it is well known to contribute to acid-rain formation. 

This review on enzymes from extreme thermophiles (optimum growth temperature > 65 °C) concentrates on their characteristics, especially thermostabilities, and their commercial applicability. The enzymes are considered in general terms first, with comments on denaturation, stabilization and industrial processes. Discussion of the enzymes subsequently proceeds in order of their E.C. classification oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases and ligases. The ramifications of cloned enzymes from extreme thermophiles are also discussed. 

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