Application of response surface methodology for optimization of an onsite electro-chlorinator for drinking water treatment

The potential of the novel electro-chlorination system assembled with graphite anodes for its application in drinking water supply was explored. The process parameter optimization was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) approach and the optimal conditions for highest yield of active chlorine were arrived. The effect of the process variables were investigated using Box-Behnken design. The experimentally observed results were correlated and integrated to derive a mathematical model. The derived RSM model predicted active chlorine production was validated using various statistical parameters i.e., coefficient of determination (R (2)), adjusted R (2) (R (2)adj), and predicted R (2) (R (2)pred). The experimental results were fitted well with the quadratic model suggested by the software and the R (2) value obtained was 0.9828. The study concluded that active chlorine formation can be optimized and modeled using RSM approach and can be effectively implemented.