Tetracycline removal using NaIO₄ activated by MnSO₄: Design and optimization via response surface methodology

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Water Treatment Technologies

Background:

• Recalcitrant organic pollutants, including antibiotics like tetracycline (TC), pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
• Effective removal strategies for these emerging contaminants are crucial for environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the efficient removal of tetracycline (TC) from synthetic aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the catalytic effect of manganese sulfate (MnSO4) on sodium periodate (NaIO4)-driven TC decomposition.

Main Methods:

• A single-factor experiment was conducted to determine the optimal ranges for pH, NaIO4 concentration, and MnSO4 dosage.
• Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the TC removal process using a three-factor, three-level experimental design.
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to validate the quadratic model and assess the significance of the factors.

Main Results:

• The single-factor experiments indicated the need for further optimization of pH, NaIO4, and MnSO4 concentrations.
• The RSM analysis yielded a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9909), confirming the accuracy of the quadratic model.
• Optimal conditions were determined as pH 6.7, [NaIO4] = 0.39 mM, and [MnSO4] = 0.12 mM, achieving a TC removal rate of 96.56%.

Conclusions:

• The MnSO4-catalyzed NaIO4 advanced oxidation process is highly effective for tetracycline removal from water.
• Response surface methodology provides an accurate and efficient approach for optimizing AOP conditions.
• The optimized process demonstrates potential for cost-effective water treatment by minimizing the use of expensive reagents like NaIO4.