Optimization of p-nitrophenol-contaminated water by non-thermal plasma technology and ozonation by response surface method

Industrial progress has ushered in the production of a diverse array of pollutants, encompassing both organic and non-biodegradable substances, such as hydrocarbon compounds derived from petroleum. As the discernible environmental ramifications of these pollutants continue to escalate, the quest for efficacious methodologies for wastewater remediation assumes paramount importance. Among the emergent technologies, plasma technology has garnered considerable acclaim due to its capacity to obliterate a myriad of pollutants. Plasma, which ensues from the application of high voltage to either a gaseous or liquid medium, engenders profoundly reactive species capable of dismantling intricate organic compounds. Similarly, ozone, an exceedingly potent oxidizing agent, has long commanded recognition for its aptitude in the degradation of pollutants. Its robust oxidative attributes render it an invaluable instrument in the realm of wastewater treatment. Ozone treatment entails the infusion of ozone gas into the contaminated aqueous medium, whereupon it engages pollutants in a transformative reaction, rendering them into less deleterious byproducts. By amalgamating the ozonation process with plasma technology, we can harness the merits of both modalities and achieve synergistic effects. This hybridized approach proffers several advantages vis-à-vis individual treatment methodologies, including augmented pollutant removal efficiency, diminished treatment duration, and amplified energy efficiency. The plasma-ozonation process exploits plasma's propensity for the generation of reactive species, capable of reacting with the organic constituents in wastewater. The ensuing ozonation phase augments the degradation of these constituents, engendering a more efficacious and comprehensive removal process. Prior investigations have scrutinized the efficacy of ozone and plasma in isolation for the eradication of p-nitrophenol, a ubiquitous organic pollutant encountered in industrial wastewater. These inquiries have methodically examined various parameters to ascertain their influence on pollutant removal efficiency. Factors such as applied voltage, ozone dosage, initial pH, reaction duration, and initial solution concentration have been subjected to meticulous scrutiny to optimize the treatment regimen. In the present study, we have devised an innovative mathematical model to probe the interplay between these two independent variables: plasma technology and ozonation. The model incorporates a quadratic equation and employs analysis of variance (ANOVA) to gauge the significance of each variable and discern the optimal conditions for pollutant removal. Through scrutiny of the model, we have ascertained that the pinnacle of removal efficiency, surpassing 95%, materializes under specific parameters. These parameters encompass an applied voltage of 14 kV, an oxygen flow rate of 6 L/min, an initial pH of 10, a reaction duration of 6 minutes, and an initial concentration of 200 mg/L. These revelations offer valuable insights into the operational parameters that yield superlative results for pollutant removal within the context of the plasma-ozonation process. The efficacious integration of ozone and plasma technologies in wastewater treatment proffers a promising panacea for the elimination of p-nitrophenol pollutants and sundry other organic constituents. By fine-tuning the process parameters in alignment with the model's recommendations, we can attain exceptional levels of pollutant elimination whilst concurrently minimizing energy consumption and treatment duration. This research significantly contributes to the perennial endeavors aimed at fashioning sustainable and efficient remedies for industrial wastewater treatment, endowing valuable perspectives for their future deployment and widescale application in industrial settings.