Coagulation of landfill leachate by FeCl3: process optimization using Box–Behnken design (RSM)

Abstract

FeCl3 coagulation was used to achieve maximum reduction of COD, phosphate, sulfate and color and process optimization (FeCl3 dosage, pH, reaction time) was done by BBD-RSM. Responses were recorded in terms of EC, COD, phosphate, color and sulfate removal. Variables A (pH) and B (reaction time) were negatively related to removal of COD and phosphate, whereas, C (FeCl3 dosage) was positive in case of COD removal and negative for phosphate removal. pH and coagulant dosage had negative relationship with color removal; however, reaction time showed positive relationship. In case of percent sulfate removal, variable A (pH) demonstrated negative relationship whereas B (reaction time) and C (FeCl3 dosage) were found to be positively related. Numerical optimization of the model revealed a maximum reduction of 71, 93, 86 and 99.6 % COD, phosphate, color and sulfate at optimal FeCl3 dosage = 3 g/l, pH 8, and reaction time = 95 min.