Work

Response surface analysis of toluene biodegradation in wastewater using sand soil biofilm systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the optimization of biological treatment for toluene-contaminated wastewater using biofilms developed in sand soil media. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultivated on fine and coarse sand media in Perspex column reactors to evaluate the effects of contact time, biomass dosage, liquid flow rate, and initial toluene concentration on % removal efficiency. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the process parameters, identifying significant interactions between variables. Fine sand media outperformed coarse sand, achieving higher removal efficiency due to increased surface area, improved biofilm adhesion, and extended contact time. ANOVA results confirmed the model's robustness, with contact time and initial toluene concentration emerging as critical factors. The optimization revealed maximum removal efficiency (87.1 %) under optimal conditions: 189.4 h of contact time, 170.664 mg L −1 biomass dosage, 0.303 L min −1 liquid flow rate, and 538.25 mg L −1 initial toluene concentration. These findings highlight the potential of biofilm-based treatment systems for industrial wastewater, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. The study underscores the importance of integrating RSM in designing efficient and scalable wastewater treatment processes.

Source: Results in Chemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102232

Authors: Gaber M. Edris, Ibrahim Mustafa, Nasser Almutlaq, Mohamed Helmy Abdel-Aziz

Institutions: King Abdulaziz University, Alexandria University, Northern Border University

Language: English

Topic: Microbial bioremediation and biosurfactants

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,870