Optimization of various process parameters for biodegradation of 4-chlorophenol using Taguchi methodology

A statistical optimization was performed to achieve a higher yield of cell growth and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) biodegradation, where isolated Bacillus subtilis MF447840.1 was used as biocatalyst. Taguchi methodology was used to evaluate the optimum condition for eleven process parameters. Six media components such as ammonium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, dipotassium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, calcium chloride, and trace element, and five physicochemical factors such as pH, temperature, agitation, inoculum size, and incubation time, were considered for optimization owing to their significant effect on cell growth and 4-CP biodegradation. Orthogonal Arrays (OA) layout of L27 was used for designing of various experimental trials. Signal to noise (S/N) ratio was used to evaluate the individual effects of process parameters and their optimal level during evaluation of cell growth and 4-CP biodegradation. Optimization studies revealed that 911.45 mg/L of biomass yield and 1000 mg/L of 4-CP biodegradation were found with ammonium nitrate (0.75 g/L), magnesium sulfate (0.25 g/L), dipotassium phosphate (0.75 g/L), monopotassium phosphate (0.25 g/L), calcium chloride (0.02 g/L), trace element (1%), pH (7.5), temperature (37 degrees C), agitation (150 rpm), inoculum size (10%), and incubation time (40 h).