Statistical analysis and optimization of mechanical-chemical electro-Fenton for organic contaminant degradation in refinery wastewater

Refinery wastewater (RWW) poses significant environmental challenges due to its high concentration of organic contaminants, necessitating effective treatment solutions. This study employs the mechanical design of the Electro-Fenton (EF) technique as a feasible alternative for treating RWW. The anode and cathode electrodes, made of stainless steel and iron, respectively, were utilized to conduct organic removal (OR) from RWW. To maximize performance, two metric optimization design techniques were examined: Box Behnken Design (BBD) and response surface methodology. The analysis of variance revealed a high coefficient of determination value (R 2 = 0.9685), indicating a second-order provable relationship between the response and self-governing variables. Additional statistical analysis was performed to assess the validity and reliability of the suggested approach. A predictive regression model was developed based on unresolved values, demonstrating a high level of agreement with experimental values. This model identified the optimal equation for the empirical model to predict OR based on predetermined parameters. Based on the BBD, the percentage of OR reached 93.45% at pH 3, temperature, and electrolysis time of 60 o C, and 30 minutes, respectively. The implications of this study suggest that the optimized Electro-Fenton technique could serve as a robust solution for addressing the environmental impact of RWW, contributing to sustainable wastewater management practices.