Citric Acid Production from Sugarcane Bagasse: A Case of Optimization using Response Surface Methodology

Authors: Amenaghawon NA, Akhihiero ET

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the use of response surface methodology (RSM) for optimizing the effect of trace metals and chelating agents on citric acid production from sugarcane bagasse. A three level Box-Behnken design was used to plan the experiments while RSM was used to optimise citric acid production as well as determining the effect of ammonium oxalate, copper and EDTA on citric acid production. The statistical model developed using RSM was statistically significant (p<0.05) and showed a good fit with the experimental data (R²= 0.954). The optimal levels of the independent variables were determined to be 0.05 g/l of copper, 10 g/l of ammonium oxalate and 0.29 g/l of EDTA, after numerical optimization by RSM was carried out. The maximum concentration of citric acid produced was obtained to be 29 g/l.

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