Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Reactive Azo Dye Degradation Process by Fenton’s Oxidation

Abstract

The effectiveness of Fenton's reagent (H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ ) for chemical oxidation of the organic content of wastewater generated from a textile industry has been studied. The oxidative agent generates reactive hydroxyl radical species which degrades the reactive dye under study: Remazol brilliant orange 3RID (RBO3RID). The experimental results indicate that the oxidation process leads to a reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration up to 97%. Response surface methodology was used to optimize three different process variables: COD to Hydrogen peroxide ratio, Hydrogen peroxide-to-Fe (II) ratio and time. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination value (R 2 =0.997). Effect of experimental parameters on the COD removal efficiency of RBO3RID was established by the response surface and contour plots. Results showed that COD removal increases with increasing oxidation time and initial Fe 2+ concentration.