Optimization of bioleaching conditions for metal removal from CCA-treated wood by using an unknown Polyporales sp. KUC8959

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of extraction conditions (i.e., culture filtrate concentration, extraction temperature, and extraction time) on the removal of metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood particles by using an unknown Polyporales sp. KUC8959. As the first research, a 20-run central composite design using response surface methodology was applied to optimize the system and construct the models, which predicted metal removal by bioleaching. The coefficients of determination of fitted models were 0.874–0.989, which indicated that the models can predict the metal removal yield accurately under various conditions. The Cu removal model suggested that the following conditions, culture filtrate concentration of 45.8%, extraction temperature of 34.2 °C, and extraction time of 20.6 h, were required for maximal removal of Cu (82.1%). The model predicted that extraction conditions of increased severity would result in complete removal of Cr and As from CCA-treated wood particles. In order to confirm actual metals removal efficiency, metals extraction was subsequently conducted under optimal bioleaching condition evaluated in this study. By applying the model, we demonstrated 83.9% Cu, 96.0% Cr, and 99.3% As removal from treated wood particles.

► Optimization of leaching process of CCA-treated wood by Polyporales sp. was performed.
► The model developed showed a high accuracy to predict the yield of metals removal.
► Above 83% of Cu and 96% of Cr and As were removed from the treated wood.