Removal of oil and grease using immobilized triacylglycerin lipase

In the present work, Triacylglycerin lipase (Aspergillus niger lipase) was immobilized on chitosan, celite and cellulose acetate polymer structure by adsorption. The concentration of protein in lipase solution before and after immobilization was determined by using the Lowry’s method and analyzed using UV-Spectrophotometer. After 12 h, the protein yield percentage of lipase on chitosan, celite and cellulose acetate support were 93.7%, 90.2% and 87.3%. Surface characterization of immobilized lipase was determined by using optical microscopy. Chitosan immobilized lipase bead (most suitable) from A. niger bead was used for removal of oil and grease (O&G) from synthetic oily water with bead concentration of 0.1–0.3 g/l. Approximately 48% of the O&G was hydrolyzed by 0.3 g/l bead of chitosan immobilized lipase from A. niger. In addition, about 47% reduction in COD was estimated after degradation of synthetic oily water with chitosan immobilized lipase.

► Triacylglycerin lipase was immobilized on chitosan, celite and cellulose acetate.
► The protein binding followed the order chitosan > celite > cellulose acetate.
► Surface characterization determined using optical microscopy.
► Chitosan immobilized lipase was used for removal of oil and grease.
► 48% of the O&G hydrolyzed by 0.3 g/l bead and 47% reduction in COD was estimated.