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Statistical modeling and optimization of tannery wastewater treatment in a fluidized bed bioreactor with low density biomass support

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Abstract

Treatment of tannery industry effluent is a serious challenge due to the presence of toxic pollutants including dyes and heavy metals. This work is focused on the optimization of bed height and air flow rate for tannery industry wastewater treatment in a fluidized bed reactor with low density biomass support. Response surface methodology was adopted for the optimization of process parameters viz air flow rate, bed height and wastewater dilution ratio and the best operating conditions were identified. The optimum values for the maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal are: air flow rate—233 LPH, Bed height—82 cm and wastewater dilution ratio—1:2. The results from the IFBR showed that a maximum of 90.2% of COD reduction obtained at an airflow rate of 233 LPH and initial bed height of 82 cm. In this research, a maximum colour removal of 83.4% was achieved. A high correlation coefficient (R2) value of more than 0.94 for all the three models indicates that the RSM based models predict the data well. The relative effect of variables on COD removal, colour removal and air hold up were depicted in perturbation plots.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, 608002, Tamilnadu, India

    B. Gopalakrishnan, S. Sujatha, S. Raja & M. Rajasimman

  2. Department of Biotechnology, Vivekanandha College of Engineering, Tiruchengode, India

    A. Muthukumarapandian

  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, Sohar University, Sohar, Oman

    N. Rajamohan

Authors
  1. B. Gopalakrishnan
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  2. A. Muthukumarapandian
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  3. S. Sujatha
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  4. S. Raja
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  5. N. Rajamohan
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  6. M. Rajasimman
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Correspondence to M. Rajasimman.

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Gopalakrishnan, B., Muthukumarapandian, A., Sujatha, S. et al. Statistical modeling and optimization of tannery wastewater treatment in a fluidized bed bioreactor with low density biomass support. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. 8, 1099–1107 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-021-01143-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-021-01143-2

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