The Optimization of Pb(II),Cu(II),Zn(II) and Cd(II) Ions Removal by Micro-Electrolysis Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In this study, the Box–Behnken design matrix and response surface methodology (RSM) have been applied in the experiments to evaluate the interactive effects of four most important operating variables: pH (2.0–4.0), temperature (30–40°C )，iron/carbon ratio（1/2–3/2）and iron carbon amounts (2-4) on the removal of Pb (II), Cu(II)，Zn (II) and Cd (II) ions in acid mine drainage with micro-electrolysis (ME) . The total 29 experiments were conducted in the present study for the construction of a quadratic model. The independent variables have significant value 0.0001, which indicates the importance of these variables in the ME process. The values of “Prob > F” less than 0.0500 indicate that model terms are significant for the removal of Cr (VI), Ni (II) and Zn (II) ions. The regression equation coefficients were calculated and the data fitted to a second-order polynomial equation for removal of Pb (II), Cu(II)，Zn (II) and Cd (II) ions with ME.