Optimization of the effect of copper electrodes on the removal efficiency of 4-clorophenol from aqueous solution by electrocoagulation

In this study, the investigation of 4-clorophenol (CP) removal from aqueous solutions using copper electrodes by electrocoagulation (EC) process was done. The effects of various experimental parameters such as pH, current density and exposure time, which affect the EC process, on 4-CP removal were investigated. To optimize the process, response surface methodology (RSM) Box Behnken Design was used by MINITAB program, a series of experimental sets were obtained and carried out. Afterward, 4-CP removal was analyzed and calculated. Results were entered into the MINITAB program as a response. At the end of the optimization, optimum operating conditions were determined as 74 mA/cm2, 45 min, 4.24 for current density, exposure times and pH, respectively. When the results were evaluated, approximately 92% phenol removal efficiencies were obtained. Additionally, according to the model results, it was understood that the factors with the greatest effect on 4-CP removal were the exposure time and current density and these had a linear effect, but the pH value did not have a significant effect.