Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology Advances in Environmental Technology 2476-6674 11 4 2025 10 01 Integration of MBBR process with electrocoagulation treatment: An optimization by response surface method 246 259 1570 10.22104/aet.2025.7549.2117 EN Abhilasha Gopal Deshmukh PGTD of Electronics and Computer Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering & Management, Nagpur, India 0009-0005-4056-821X Kiran Meghraj Tajne Government College of Engineering, Sector 27, Mihan Rehabilitation Colony, Khapri Railway, Nagpur. India 0009-0001-6621-7160 Journal Article 2025 04 10 The present study investigates the effectiveness of low-cost sewage treatment methodologies, specifically the Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR). To increase its applicability, it is essential to enhance the efficiency of the process. For that, a supplementary treatment known as electrocoagulation is employed. Crucial design parameters of the MBBR, such as Filling Ratio (Volume of Media/Active Volume of Digester) and Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), were examined through a laboratory setup. Additionally, parameters related to the electrocoagulation process, like Voltage, Detention Time, and inter-electrode distance, were also examined An HRT of 12 hours was observed to yield an 88% reduction in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and a 92% reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The efficiency of the process was enhanced when the filling ratio varied in the range of 30 to 70%. Electrocoagulation demonstrates optimal turbidity removal at voltages ranging from 10 to 12 volts, with the most effective inter-electrode distance measured at 3 centimeters. The optimal detention period for the EC process was determined to be 150 minutes. This study provides valuable information regarding the use of a statistical tool called the Central Composite Design (CCD) for investigating the inter-relations between an operating variable and its effect on the responses of the treatment unit. The results show that a statistical technique could be used to improve the overall performance of the treatment unit. https://aet.irost.ir/article_1570_7949e456002b28988d38185bd30e77fd.pdf