Optimization and Modeling of Microcystin-LR Degradation by TiO2 Photocatalyst Using Response Surface Methodology

Introduction: Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is a toxin with harmful effects on the liver, kidney, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. So, effective removal of MC-LR from water resources is of great importance. The aim of this study was to remove microcystin-LR (MC-LR) from aqueous solution by Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). Materials and Methods: In the present study, TiO2, as a semiconductor, was used for photodegradation of MC-LR under ultraviolet light (UV). The Response Surface Methodology was applied to investigate the effects of operating variables such as pH (A), contact time (B), and catalyst dose (B) on the removal of MC-LR. The MC-LR concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The results showed that single variables such as A, B, and C had significant effects on MC-LR removal (pvalue < 0.05). In other words, increase of the contact time and catalyst dose had a positive effect on enhancing the removal efficiency of MC-LR, but the effect of pH was negative. The analysis of variance showed that BC, A2, and C2 variables had a significant effect on the MC-LR removal (pvalue < 0.05). Finally, the maximum removal efficiency of MC-LR was 95.1%, which occurred at pH = 5, contact time = 30 minutes, and catalyst dose = 1 g/l. Conclusion: According to the findings, TiO2, as a photocatalyst, had an appropriate effect on degradation of the MC-LR.