Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Micellar Extraction Process of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from Contaminated Sediments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic compounds whose presence in sediments can pose significant health risks.This study aims to determine the optimal conditions for extracting PAHs from sediments of the Doba Basin oil zone in Chad, using microwave heating in the presence of Tween 80.The methodology involved physicochemical characterization of sediments, followed by optimization of PAHs extraction using response surface methodology with a central composite design, considering microwave power (400-600 W), irradiation time (15-20 s), and Tween 80 concentration (7-8%) as main factors.Characterization results showed: pH = 7.4 0.5; organic matter (OM) content = 9.67 0.5%; residual moisture = 1.22 0.04%; and conductivity = 0.09 0.003 mS/cm.Significant positive contributions to PAHs extraction were observed from the irradiation time*Tween 80 concentration interaction and the quadratic effect Optimization of Rimhoudal Ngaramndi et al.