Application of statistical experimental methodology to optimize bioremediation of n-alkanes in aquatic environment.
Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations for removal of n-alkanes from crude oil contaminated seawater samples in batch reactors. Erlenmeyer flasks were used as bioreactors; each containing 250 mL dispersed crude oil contaminated seawater, indigenous acclimatized microorganism and different amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus based on central composite design (CCD). Samples were extracted and analyzed according to US-EPA protocols using a gas chromatograph. During 28 days of bioremediation, a maximum of 95% total aliphatic hydrocarbons removal was observed. The obtained Model F-value of 267.73 and probability F<0.0001 implied the model was significant. Numerical condition optimization via a quadratic model, predicted 98% n-alkanes removal for a 20-day laboratory bioremediation trial using nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of 13.62 and 1.39 mg/L, respectively. In actual experiments, 95% removal was observed under these conditions.
Zahed
Mohammad Ali
MA
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
Aziz
Hamidi Abdul
HA
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
Mohajeri
Leila
L
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
Mohajeri
Soraya
S
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
Kutty
Shamsul Rahman Mohamed
SRM
Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Isa
Mohamed Hasnain
MH
Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak, Malaysia. Electronic address: hasnain_isa@petronas.com.my.
D000143:Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D000473:Alkanes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000143:Acids; D000473:Alkanes; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical