title: Statistical factor-screening and optimization in slurry phase bioremediation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene contaminated soil.
abstract: Since slurry phase bioremediation is a promising treatment for recalcitrant compounds such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), a statistical study was conducted for the first time to optimize TNT removal (TR) in slurry phase. Fractional factorial design method, 2(IV)(7-3), was firstly adopted and four out of the seven examined factors were screened as effective. Subsequently, central composite design and response surface methodology were employed to model and optimize TR within 15 days. A quadratic model (R(2) = 0.9415) was obtained, by which the optimal values of 6.25 g/L glucose, 4.92 g/L Tween 80, 20.23% (w/v) slurry concentration and 5.75% (v/v) inoculum size were estimated. Validation experiments at optimal factor levels resulted in 95.2% TR, showing a good agreement with model prediction of 96.1%. Additionally, the effect of aeration rate (0-4 vvm) on TR was investigated in a 1-liter bioreactor. Maximum TR of 95% was achieved at 3 vvm within 9 days, while reaching the same removal level in flasks needed 15 days. This reveals that improved oxygen supply in bioreactor significantly reduces bioremediation time in comparison with shake flasks.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Research Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, PO Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran. fnaiem@iust.ac.ir
authors.forename: Gelareh
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sheibani
authors.forename: Fereshteh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Naeimpoor
authors.forename: Parisa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hejazi
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D019149:Bioreactors; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D013535:Suspensions; D014303:Trinitrotoluene / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013535:Suspensions; D014303:Trinitrotoluene; D010100:Oxygen