The use of response surface methodology for modelling and analysis of water and wastewater treatment processes: a review

In recent years, response surface methodology (RSM) has been used for modelling and optimising a variety of water and wastewater treatment processes. RSM is a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques for building models, evaluating the effects of several variables, and obtaining the values of process variables that produce desirable values of the response. This paper reviews the recent information on the use of RSM in different water and wastewater treatment processes. The theoretical principles and steps for its application are first described. The recent investigations on its application in coagulation–flocculation, adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, electro-chemical processes and disinfection are reviewed. The limitations of the methodology are highlighted. Attempts made to improve the RSM by combining it with other modelling techniques are also described.