Photocatalytic Removal of Amaranth Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology

Since Amaranth (AM) is one of the dye compounds which is harmful to human’s life its removal from industrial waste water would reduce their environmental impact and health effect. Copper nanoparticle (CuNP) is a simple and eco-friendly material which can be used to remove this pollutant. In this paper, copper nanoparticles were synthesized, for removal of AM dye. The experiments were designed by response surface methodology with a modified cubic model to predict the variables. To investigate variables and interaction between them analysis of variance was used with high F-value (1.44), low P-value (<0.0409), non-significant lack of fit, the determination coefficient of 0.898 and the adequate precision of 7.25. Experimental and predicted values of the response illustrated a good correlation. The optimum parameters catalyst amount (0.14 w/w%), initial concentration (7.38 mg/l), reaction time (47.75 s) and pH (2.83) for the highest removal percentage of (96.10%) was attained.