Optimization of Chromium reductionand Sludge productionbybipolar Electrocoagulation us-ing Response Surface Methodology

Introduction: Electrocoagulation (EC) is a high performance process for water and wastewater treatment. Recently, the process was proposed as an interest technology with various advantages. Methods: In this study, chromium removal and sludge production by the bipolar electrocoagulation was investigated and the process optimized by response surface methodology(RSM).Different operating parameters, such as current density, running time, pH and initial chromium concentration during the process were examined. Results: According to results of model, R2 for chromium removal and sludge production were obtained 0.9374 and 0.889, respectively. In the optimum condition, current density, running time, pH and initial concentration were 0.27 A, 70 min, pH 4.62 and 156 mg/l, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that RSM is one of the suitable technique to optimize the best operating conditions to maximize the chromium removal. Chromium removal efficiency and sludge production in optimum condition were 73.13 and 174.02ml/l, respectively.