RSM-Based Electrochemical Treatment for the Removal of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Bisphenol A

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), has wide applications in different chemical industries and is a hazardous pollutant. This study elaborates on BPA removal from synthetic effluent that uses an electrocoagulation process (ECP) with aluminum (Al) electrodes. Box–Behnken Design (BBD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design the experimental matrixes to evaluate BPA removal efficiency. To optimize the removal of BPA during the ECP, the effect of major operating parameters, such as current density (15–30 mA/cm2) and time (30–60 min) with the initial concentration (2–10 mg/L), were studied. A quadratic model with a high regression value (R2) was obtained between the experimental and predicted values. In addition, a high Fisher distribution (F-value) of 114.79 and p-value of <0.0001 validated the reliability and adequacy of the developed regression model. Furthermore, response surface analysis exhibited a significant mutual effect of concentration and current density on BPA removal efficiency. The maximum removal efficiency of 94.75% was achieved at 2 mg/L BPA current density of 30 mA/cm2, and a reaction time of 45 min. Under these optimum conditions, the operating cost (OC) was $1.74/m3. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis of the sludge generated after ECP exhibited strong peaks for hydroxyl (–OH) and phenol functional groups, which indicated the generation of aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 and adsorption of BPA in the sludge. This study inferred that BPA removal could be accomplished efficiently using an ecofriendly ECP technique, which, if explored further, could be used for treatment on industrial platforms.