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Optimization of process variables by the application of response surface methodology for dye removal using nanoscale zero-valent iron

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology volume 16, pages 4601–4610 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

The study investigated the degradation and removal of Acid Red 114 (AR-114) and Basic Blue 41 (BB-41) as a model of azo dyes of aqueous solutions by using nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI). Both the size and the surface morphology of NZVI particles were specified by XRD and SEM techniques. The removals of AR-114 and BB-41 were studied at different experimental conditions, including catalyst amount, dye concentration, solution pH and the contact time. The removal parameters were modeled by response surface methodology. Given the low P value (< 0.0001), high F value (more than 85 for both dyes), R2 = 98.76% and Adj-R2 = 97.61% for AR-114 and R2 = 99.50% and Adj-R2 = 99.04% for BB-41 and nonsignificant lack of fit for both dyes. Given the ANOVA results, there is a positive relationship between the experimental and predicted values of the response. The results indicated that NZVI particles had removed more than 94% of both dyes under the optimum operational conditions. The optimum catalyst amount, dye concentration, pH of the solution and contact time were found to be 0.40 g, 4.00 mgL−1, 5.00 and 106.00 s, respectively, for AR-114 and those for BB-41 were 0.80 g, 9.00 mgL−1, 9.00 and 205.00 s, respectively.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to University of Payame Noor, for kind support.

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  1. Young Researchers and Elite Club, Zahedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran

    S. Shojaei & S. Shojaei

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  1. S. Shojaei
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Correspondence to S. Shojaei.

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Editorial responsibility: Q. Aguilar-Virgen.

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Shojaei, S., Shojaei, S. Optimization of process variables by the application of response surface methodology for dye removal using nanoscale zero-valent iron. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 16, 4601–4610 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-018-1866-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-018-1866-9

Keywords

  • Response surface methodology
  • Central composite design
  • Zero-valent iron nanoparticle
  • Dye removal
  • Azo dyes