Optimization of Methyl Orange Wastewater Treatment by Micro-electrolysis Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The effects of initial pH value, dosage and rate of iron/activated carbon on the removal efficiency of methyl orange by micro-electrolysis were examined in this research. The Box-Behnken response surface methodology was conducted for mathematical polynomial model and optimization conditions. Effects of the independent parameters and their interaction on methyl orange removal efficiency were studied respectively. The optimal conditions for methyl orange removal are found to be 2.0 of pH value, 60 g/L of dosage of iron and activated carbon and 2.5 of the mass ratio of iron to carbon. The removal efficiency of methyl orange at this optimum condition reached 91.6%, which is close to the model predictive value of 97.4%, confirmed the reliability of the model.