Optimized Removal of Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate by Fenton-Like Oxidation Using Response Surface Methodology

This study investigates the degradation of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) in aqueous solution by the Fenton-like oxidation process. The effects of different parameters such as concentrations of ferric chloride and hydrogen peroxide, pH and reaction time on the SDBS removal and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction were evaluated. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to study and optimize the oxidation process. A quadratic polynomial equation could accurately model the SDBS removal with an R2 of 0.98. The results showed that pH and time were the most significant parameters affecting SDBS removal and COD reduction, respectively. A high SDBS (90.5%) and COD (70.7%) reduction efficiency were obtained at the optimal conditions of 60 min, pH 4 and 8.82 mM of H2O2 and 3.67mM of Fe+3. In this work, the effects of some organic compounds on the degradation of SDBS by the Fenton-like process were examined. The results showed that 50 mgL-1of oxalic acid slightly enhanced the SDBS degradation efficiency while acetic acid and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reduced it.