Leachate Treatment via TiO2/UV Heterogeneous Photocatalysis: A Multiple Polynomial Regression Model

Advanced oxidation processes such as TiO2/UV heterogeneous photocatalysis are suitable treatment methods for wastewater with high pollutant loads such as landfill leachates. Optimizing the variables that influence the process is a fundamental aspect. However, in this regard, experimental conditions are limited in terms of resources and time, which is why modeling allows obtaining a general understanding of the phenomenon from a set of experimental data. This work sought to model the photocatalytic process via multivariate polynomial regression, considering variables such as the catalyst concentration, the pH level, and the accumulated energy concerning the percentage of degradation in terms of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The implemented fitting method resulted in a third-degree polynomial with an R-2 of 0,8652, concluding that the model and its conclusions are valid. Moreover, with greater degrees, the model curve overfitted, even with better R-2. DOC abatement showed a negative correlation with pH and the catalyst dose, while an opposite trend was observed for the accumulated energy. The model predictions allow inferring that, at low catalyst doses and medium and high pH levels, it is possible to find maximum degradations at low cumulative energies.