Optimization of the Sunset Yellow dye removal by electrocoagulation using a response surface method

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Treatment Technologies
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Wastewater effluents from food industries often contain dye pollutants.
• Sunset Yellow (S.Y.) is a common azo dye used in food products.
• Effective treatment methods are needed to remove dye pollutants from industrial wastewater.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the removal of Sunset Yellow (S.Y.) azo dye from aqueous solutions using electrocoagulation.
• To optimize electrocoagulation process parameters for maximum dye removal efficiency.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of concentric iron electrodes in an electrochemical reactor for dye treatment.

Main Methods:

• Electrocoagulation process utilizing concentric iron electrodes.
• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for experimental design and optimization.
• Investigation of parameters: current density, electrolysis time, electrolyte concentration, pH, and effluent flow rate.

Main Results:

• Optimized electrocoagulation conditions achieved over 99% removal of Sunset Yellow dye.
• Optimal parameters identified: pH 10, current density 2.65 mA/cm², electrolysis time 42.32 min, initial dye concentration 20 mg/L, flow rate 2.5 L/min.
• RSM effectively determined the influence of process parameters on dye removal efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Electrocoagulation with iron electrodes is a highly efficient method for removing Sunset Yellow azo dye.
• Optimized electrocoagulation process offers a >99% removal efficiency for dye-polluted wastewater.
• The study provides optimal operating conditions for industrial application of electrocoagulation in dye treatment.