Multiparameter optimization of bromate sorption on anion exchange resin by a two-step statistical strategy: Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken experimental design

Abstract

Bromate, an anion with carcinogenic properties, may be formed during ozonation or chlorination of water containing bromide. Previous research has shown that the trace levels of bromate in solution could be effectively removed by macroporous Cl-type anion exchange (D201-Cl) resin. In the present study, this multiparameter sorption process was optimized by a two-step statistical experiment design. Firstly, the Plackett–Burman (P–B) design was employed to evaluate the effect of sorption parameters. Sorbent dosage, coexisting anion concentration, and initial pH had a significant impact on bromate removal, and these variables were further optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD). The maximum removal efficiency of bromate (90.67%) was achieved under the optimal conditions of sorbent dosage 1.08 g/L, coexisting anion conc. 15.55 mg/L, and pH 8.93. The experimental results were in good agreement with the predicted values, indicating that the integrated P–B and BBD design is a powerful and effective approach for the statistical optimization of bromate sorption process.

Keywords:

• Bromate
• Anion exchange resin
• Plackett–Burman design
• Box–Behnken design
• Optimization

Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51278175, 51378188, 51478170), Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China (20130161120021), and International Science & Technology Cooperation Program of China (No. 2012DFB30030-03).