International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Modeling and Optimizing the Use of Aerobic Bioreactors for Sustained Removal of Pahs from Crude Oil Sludge

Abstract

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, soil sediments and water resources can be critical concern to human health and risk of fatal diseases. PAHs are organic chemicals usually with two or more benzene rings, so have potential toxic effects on humans due to their carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic risks, hence their removal from contaminated environments is crucial. This study explores the use of bioreactors from crude oil sludge for the optimal removal of PAHs. The Box-Wilson experimental design was adopted to ascertain the associated variables such as, dosage of oxygen, PAHs concentration and pH. To determine the effect of experimental factors on the bioreactor process, the method was also applied at different oxygen dosage, PAH concentration, and pH of the sludge suspension in the treatment process. A second-order polynomial model was incorporated to fit the experimental data and enable optimize the treatment discretely on a laboratory scale (implying working volume less than 1 liter) mechanically stirred-tank bioreactor. The results of the analyses show that the most functional requirement and so advantageous in the treatment process was 0.4g, 20mg/L and 6 for oxygen dosage, PAHs concentration and pH respectively. This implies that the mathematical model efficiently simulated the treatment process hence, enhanced the performance of aerobic bioreactor plants in removing PAHs from crude oil sludge.

Country : Nigeria

1 Okuroghoboye D. Itugha2 Andy O. Ibeje3 Esther C. Udochukwu

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

IRJIET, Volume 9, Issue 10, October 2025 pp. 284-291

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2025.910035

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