Process optimization and modeling of heavy metals extraction from a molybdenum rich spent catalyst by Aspergillus niger using response surface methodology

CATEGORY: HEAVY METALS RECOVERY
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Volume 18, Issue 1, 25 January 2012, Pages 218–224
Process optimization and modeling of heavy metals extraction from a molybdenum rich spent catalyst by Aspergillus niger using response surface methodology
R. Mafi Gholami a, S.M. Mousavi b, S.M. Borghei c
a Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
b Biotechnology Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal al Ahmad Highway, Tehran, Iran
c Biochemical and Bioenvironmental Research Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Examines the biorecovery of heavy metals from a spent refinery catalyst obtained from one of the oil refineries in Iran using Aspergillus niger. Bioleaching experiments were carried out in batch cultures using A. niger in the one-step process to mobilize Co, Mo and Ni from hazardous spent catalysts.
Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for the design and analysis of experiments with the optimization of pH, temperature, inoculum percentage, pulp density and rotation speed during the bioleaching of the metals. Experiments were designed as per the central composite design (CCD) technique. Three cubic mathematical models were derived for prediction of the responses.
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