Optimizing Zinc Ion Removal Using Response Surface Methodology: Effects of Cation Exchange Resin, Zinc Solution Concentration and Stirring Speed

This study optimizes zinc ion removal from solutions using cation exchange resin, focusing on resin concentration, zinc solution concentration, and stirring speed as key variables. Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM), optimal conditions for these variables were identified. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and mathematical modeling were employed to evaluate the effects of varying input conditions. The research also examined the impact of process variables on the pH of treated samples. A quadratic model, developed using the Central Composite Design method, correlated the independent variables. The results indicate that a cation exchange resin concentration of 25.17 g/L, a zinc solution concentration of 7 mg/L, and a stirring speed of 231 rpm achieve the lowest zinc concentration of 2.65 mg/L. The study highlights cation exchange resin concentration and stirring speed as the most effective parameters for zinc reduction, as indicated by higher F-statistics. The model demonstrates high accuracy, with a percentage difference of only 2.3% between predicted and actual values in the validation experiment. These findings underscore the potential of reversible ion exchange capabilities of the resin for sustainable and effective water treatment. This research advances wastewater treatment methodologies, providing crucial data for future studies aimed at reducing heavy metal contaminants in water.