Liquid Membrane Formulation for Succinic Acid Extraction from Simulated Aqueous Waste Solution

Succinic acid is developing as one of the most competitive new bio-based chemicals. However, the biological production of succinic acid results in difficult product recovery and not economically competitive. Thus, the development of economical method to extract and purify succinic acid is really essential. One of the promising methods for succinic acid extraction is emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). In this study, the ELM process will be develop to recover succinic acid from simulated aqueous waste solution through screening of ELM components; the carrier, diluent and stripping agent using liquid-liquid extraction method. Several parameters such as the possibility of using palm oil as diluent, types of carrier and their concentration, and stripping agents were examined. Outcomes indicate that 21.39 g/l of succinic acid and 0.41 g/l of acetic acid was extracted using Amberlite LA2 in palm oil. Besides, 16.34 g/l succinic acid was recovered selectively over acetic acid by Na₂CO₃ in stripping process. Therefore, it can be concluded that Amberlite LA2, palm oil, and Na₂CO₃ has high possibility to be used in liquid membrane formulation for succinic acid extraction.