Optimization of Pyrene Biodegradation Rate by Response Surface methodology

Abstract

The application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in the biodegradation process can enhance removal, reduced process variability, decrease development time and overall costs. In this study,
the non-linear response behavior was analyzed using the center points and star points runs. The response was the biodegradation rate of pyrene; a 4-ring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon by fungi that
identified as Rhizoctonia zeae SOL3 in batch experiments. Factors like glucose concentration, NaCl concentration, initial pyrene concentration, pH, temperature and agitation were investigated to determine
the optimum parameters for the biodegradation rate of pyrene. The quadratic model forecasted that the higher biodegradation of pyrene was 44.7% in 15 days, when the factors glucose concentration,
temperature, NaCl concentration and initial pyrene concentration were 19.6 g/l, 28°C, 9.9 g/l and 24 mg/l respectively. Validation experiment was made in duplicate to verify the forecasted results. The
biodegradation was 44% in 15 days under the optimal medium conditions, which was in good match with the forecasted values.
Keywords: Response Surface Methodology, Optimization, Biodegradation, Pyrene