Homogeneous Sono-Fenton Process: Statistical Modeling and Global Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to obtain and validate a mathematical model to describe a complex homogeneous Sono-Fenton (HSF) process used for the removal of 4-chlorophenol model pollutant from aqueous effluents. The investigated process parameters (acoustic amplitude, power density depending on the surface of the tip, initial pollutant concentration and time) serve as input parameters for the statistical modeling, while the output parameters considered are the final pollutant concentration and energy delivered to the sample. The accuracy of the models is analyzed by the values of the determination coefficients and by graphical tools available in MATLAB software such as: the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (KS test), the graphical sensitivity tools, e.g. contribution to the sample mean (CSM) and variance (CSV) plots. The robustness of the model is also analyzed by global sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, the optimum set of operating conditions are determined by using the nlintool function.