Optimization of parameters for phenol degradation using immobilized Candida tropicalis SSK01 in batch reactor.

Bioremediation of phenol was done using Candida tropicalis SSK01 immobilized cells isolated from petroleum contaminated soil. Optimization of phenol degradation studies was carried at 30 °C to 40 °C, pH 6 to 8 and initial concentration of 300 mgl⁻¹ to 900 mgl⁻¹. Candida tropicalis SSK01 cells immobilized using sodium alginate were used in phenol degradation studies. Optimization of phenol degradation was performed by Central Composite Design (CCD). A total of 20 experiments were carried out and the optimal degradation of 95.2% was observed at 34.20 °C at pH 6.86 with initial concentration of 610 mgl⁻¹ The R², adjusted R² and Predicted R² values were 0.9976, 0.9955 and 0.9919 respectively which indicates that experimental values are in good agreement with the predicted values.