Single objective optimization of surface water coagulation process using inorganic/organic aid formulation by Taguchi method

Abstract

The combined inorganic/organic coagulant has received much attention in turbidity removal for its positive influence on the environment and economy when introduced to the classic coagulation-flocculation clarification process. The present study investigates the effect of different parameters on turbidity removal. These parameters are initial turbidity, coagulant dosage, organic load, and pH. The Taguchi method was utilized in designing the experiment. the Analysis of the variable indicates that the organic load, initial turbidity, coagulant dose, and pH contributions to the turbidity removal was 58.92%, 20.03%, 11.67%, and 6.73% respectively. Results show that the predicted quadratic model can represent the turbidity removal with an R2 value of 99.24%. Optimum operation conditions were: an organic load of 25% of the total dose, total coagulants dose of 10 ppm, pH of 6 with an estimation of high turbidity value of 100 NTU. Confirmation experiments were conducted and the experimental results have a slight deviation from theoretical values representing model strength. The results confirm the role of an organic aid to provide superior turbidity removal at reasonable economic and operational benefits.