Implementation of Response Surface Methodology in the Modeling and Optimization of Uranium Recovery from Phytoremediation-Derived Contaminated Soil Using Alkaline Carbonate Leaching

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the operational parameters governing the uranium leaching process. The nonlinear behavior of the system response was effectively described using a second-order polynomial model, which captured the individual effects of process variables, their interactions, and their combined influence on system performance. The statistical analysis confirmed the adequacy of the model, as indicated by a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.974) and satisfactory analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, demonstrating the reliability of the developed model for prediction and optimization purposes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) exerted the most significant influence on the response, followed by carbonate concentration (C), contact time (T), and pH, indicating that mass transfer limitations governed the leaching efficiency. The optimal conditions predicted by the model were identified as C = 1, pH = 10, T = 4.2h, and L/S = 3, under which the maximum response was achieved.