Optimization and Modeling of Photocatalytic Removal of Norfloxacin Using Tungsten Bismuth Loaded Carbon Iron Complexes Based on Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) (10 mg/L) was studied using tungsten bismuth loaded carbon iron complexes (C/Fe–Bi2WO6) under simulated solar light (SSL) irradiation in a cylindrical reactor. Three experimental parameters were chosen as independent variables: pH, C/Fe–Bi2WO6 concentration, and H2O2 concentration. A central composite experimental design (CCD) was used to establish a quadratic model as a functional relationship between the removal efficiency of NOR and the three independent variables. The optimal values of operating parameters under the related constraint conditions were found at a pH of 7.10, a C/Fe–Bi2WO6 concentration of 0.78 g/L, and a H2O2 concentration of 227 mg/L. Under the optimal conditions, the removal efficiency of NOR reached 91.66%. Regression analysis with an R2 value of 0.9728 indicated a good correlation between the experimental results and the predicted values.