Characterization and optimization of spectrophotometric colour removal from dye containing wastewater by Coagulation-Flocculation

The performance of Vigna unguiculata coagulant (VUC) for colour removal from acid dye was investigated in this study. The proximate, structure and morphology of the coagulant were investigated using standard official methods, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) using face-centred central composite design (FCCD) optimized four process variables including pH, coagulant dosage, dye concentration and time. The colour removal efficiency obtained from the optimization analysis was 99.26% at process conditions of pH 2, coagulant dosage 256.09 mg/l, dye concentration 16.7 mg/l and time 540 min. The verification experiments agreed with the predicted values having a standard error value of 1.96%. Overlay contour plot established optimum areas where the predicted response variable is in an acceptable range (≥ 70%) with respect to optimum conditions. The FCCD approach was appropriate for optimizing the process giving higher removal efficiency when compared to the main effect plots.