Optimization of batch electrocoagulation process using Box-Behnken experimental design for the treatment of crude vegetable oil refinery wastewater

Abstract

The performance of the batch electrocoagulation process for the treatment of real crude vegetable oil refinery wastewater with high COD using sacrificial aluminum anode was explored in this research. Effects of operating factors such as electrolysis time (0–60 min), applied voltage (10–20 V) and electrode spacing (2–4 cm) on the COD removal were investigated. Mathematical model relating these key operating factors and the COD removal was developed using Box-Behnken design. 3-D response surface plots showed that the COD removal significantly increased with increase in electrolysis time and applied voltage till the optimum value. COD removal decreased, when very short or excessive electrode spacing was fixed. Experimental COD removal of 70.8% was attained at the optimized conditions and observed to be in reasonable agreement with the prediction by the Box-Behnken design.