title: Application of statistical experimental methodology to optimize bioremediation of n-alkanes in aquatic environment.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohammad Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Zahed
authors.affiliation: School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Hamidi Abdul
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Aziz
authors.affiliation: School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mohajeri
authors.affiliation: School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Soraya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohajeri
authors.affiliation: Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shamsul Rahman Mohamed
authors.initials: SRM
authors.lastname: Kutty
authors.affiliation: Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak, Malaysia. Electronic address: hasnain_isa@petronas.com.my.
authors.forename: Mohamed Hasnain
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Isa
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000143:Acids; D000473:Alkanes; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical