RSM Studies on Phenol Removal from Aqueous Solution and Removal of Phenolic Compounds from Industrial Effluents by Ionic Liquid [Bmim][BF4]Dissolved in Tributyl Phosphate

512-518Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the removal of phenol from aqueous solution by ionic liquid [Bmim][BF4] dissolved in TBP. Central Composite Design (CCD) with four variables (aqueous phase pH, agitation speed, feed concentration, treat ratio) was applied to optimize the extraction process. The optimized conditions for maximum removal of phenol were pH - 6, agitation speed - 350 rpm, feed phase concentration - 10 ppm and treat ratio - 5 respectively. The optimized response for removal of phenol was found to be 98.88 % and the experimental result was found to be 98%. This shows the best fit with the proposed statistical model for phenol removal (R2=0.983). Extraction studies were performed for the removal of phenol, p-chlorophenol (p-CP), 2, 4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) from synthetic phenolic mixtures, power plant effluent and textile effluent using [Bmim][BF4] in TBP. The results showed that the percentage extraction of phenols from synthetic mixtures and industrial effluents were found to be 98%, 88% and 86% respectively. Based on the above results, it was found that this process was best suited for secondary or tertiary treatment of phenols from industrial wastewater before disposal