Application of factorial experimental design methodology for the removal of phenol from water by innovate hybrid bioprocess

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to study the phenol elimination by immobilized bacteria cells on a combined material. The immobilization by inclusion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in calcium alginate beads with powdered activated carbon (PAC) allows the adsorption and biodegradation of phenol simultaneously. The full factorial design methodology was carried out to estimate the influence of the considered parameters (initial phenol concentration, amount of PAC, and diameter of beads) on the time of phenol removal. The adsorbent amount was the most significant parameter followed by the initial phenol concentration, while the effect of beads diameter was insignificant. The minimum time of phenol elimination obtained from the optimization procedure was 22.6 h. This optimum was achieved at 5 g/L of PAC and an initial phenol concentration of 100 mg/L.