Response surface methodology (RSM) analysis of photodegradation of sulfonated diazo dye Reactive Green 19 by UV/H2O2 process

•An RSM approach was used to study the degradation of Reactive Green 19 by UV/H2O2.•Complete dye decolorization and dearomatization occurred within 60 and 200 min.•The initial dye and H2O2 concentrations were the key factors for both processes.•Combining the RSM with a mechanistic model allowed a good interpretation of results.

A central composite design was used to investigate the influence of the main process parameters on the degradation of Reactive Green 19 (RG19) azo dye by the UV/H2O2 treatment. The combined use of UV radiation and H2O2 resulted in the decolorization and dearomatization of the dye. They were monitored by measuring the spectral changes occurring, respectively, in the visible and UV regions of the dye spectrum. RG19 degradation was found to be practically complete over a time of 15–60 min, for decolorization, and 50–200 min, for dearomatization, depending on the applied conditions.Both processes followed apparent first-order kinetics. The associated rate constants were used as the response variables and their dependence on initial dye and H2O2 concentrations, pH and reaction time was investigated by the response surface methodology. Response surface plots for the decolorization and dearomatization processes were very similar in shape. For both processes, the initial dye and H2O2 concentrations were the key factors controlling dye degradation.