Application of response surface methodology for the optimization of the production of electro-activated solutions in a three-cell reactor

This study examines the possibility of producing optimally electro-activated (EA) solutions using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM yielded models to predict solution properties as functions of the process parameters studied with very high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.9393-0.9974), indicating the models provided high correlation between observed and predicted values. The effect of production parameters, such as salt concentration, current and exposure time on the properties of the solutions, was investigated. For oxidation-reduction potential, pH and resistance, salt concentration was the most significant factor followed by exposure time and current. Using a Derringer's function, the best performance for the production of electro-activated solution was obtained at a current intensity of 200 mA in the presence of 0.05 M electrolyte after 38 and 60 min of treatment time, depending on which reactor configuration was used. The current investigation shows an agreement with the addition test of predicted data and confirms that the developed model equation can be used for prediction.