Analysis of petroleum biodesulfurization in an airlift bioreactor using response surface methodology

► Biodesulfurization (BDS) of diesel by RIPI90A cells was optimized using Response surface methodology (RSM). ► Liquid mass transfer coefficient (kLa) was optimized using RSM method in an airlift bioreactor. ► The initial sulfur substrate concentration was selected as effective factor for BDS optimization. ► Superficial gas velocity (Ug) and working volume (v) were selected as effective factors for optimization of kLa. ► Sulfur reduction under optimum conditions was 14 ppm after 30 h in the airlift bioreactor.