1-Naphthol removal by Fenton-like heterogenous photocatalysis: Kinetic modelling, optimization, and prediction by response surface methodology

Degradation of 1-Naphthol by combined photocatalysis and adsorption in column reactor was studied, and the performance could be predicted by employing a proposed multiple regression model. The model includes four variables: concentration of 1-Naphthol, concentration of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), FeOOH dosage and pH, along with their second-order effects and interactions. Statistical analyses were performed to verify the statistical significance of the regressors, and extra experimental sets were conducted to validate the proposed model. The mathematical model proposed exhibited good reproducibility with no significant statistical difference between the experimental and predicted values. Response surface methodology was used to explore the relationship between the four variables and the response. The process optimal ranges can be further refined at pH 2-2.5; [PMS] = 1.2-1.4 mM; and FeOOH 2.75-3 g respectively, according to the proposed overlaid contour plots.