Optimization of alumina leaching from microcline using particle swarm optimization and response surface methodology
Alumina has found wide application in technological and engineering fields. However, due to the environmental effects of the traditional Bayer process of production, there is a need for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective procedure. The optimization of alumina extraction from microcline in nitric acid (HNO<sub>3</sub>) solution is considered in this work. The optimization exercise was performed with the optimization tools of response surface methodology (RSM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The optimum conditions predicted by RSM include 82.11 <sup>o</sup>C reaction temperature, 3.53 M HNO<sub>3</sub> concentration, 0.023 g/mL solid/liquid (S/L) ratio, 356.14 rpm stirring speed, and 99.92 min reaction time. At these conditions, about 83.21% alumina leaching rate was predicted. PSO however predicted optimum conditions of 90<sup>o</sup>C, 4 M, 0.021 g/mL, 420 rpm, and 118 min, respectively, for the parameters above. Hence, the two techniques were viable tools for the optimization exercise.
Authors
- Chinyere Ezekannagha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8593-1362)
- Cyril Sunday Ume
- Valentine Chikaodili Anadebe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7559-446X)
- Ikechukwu Abuchi Nnanwube (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0990-9566)
- Christopher Nnaemeka Igwilo
- Monday Omotioma
- Okechukwu D. Onukwuli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0861-3536)
- Chizoo Esonye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7902-3149)
Institutions
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (NG)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NG)
- Madonna University (NG)
- Federal Medical Centre (NG)
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (NG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Published
- 2025-03-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93326-5
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.82