Optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology for the removal of phenol by emulsion liquid membrane

Emulsion liquid membrane technique (ELM) was used for the extraction of phenol from synthetic and industrial effluents. In this study, the liquid membrane used for phenol removal was composed of kerosene as the solvent, Span-80 as the surfactant and Sodium hydroxide as an internal reagent. Statistical experimental design was applied for the optimization of process parameters for the removal of phenol by ELM. The effects of process parameters namely, Surfactant concentration, membrane or organic to internal phase ratio (M/I) and emulsion to an external phase ratio (E/E) on the removal of phenol were optimized using a response surface method. The optimum conditions for the extraction of phenol using Response surface methodology were: surfactant concentration - 4.1802%, M/I ratio: 0.9987(v/v), and E/E ratio: 0.4718 (v/v). Under the optimized condition the maximum phenol extraction was found to be 98.88% respectively.