The central composite process optimization was performed by response surface methodology technique using a design for the treatment of methyltin mercaptide with modified semi-coke. The semi-coke from the coal industry was suitably modified by treating it with phosphoric acid, with a thermal activation process. The objective of the process optimization is to reduce the chemical oxygen demand(COD) and 4NH—N in the methyltin mercaptide industrial effluent. The process variables considered for process optimization are the semi-coke dosage, adsorption time and effluent pH. The optimized process conditions are identified to be a semi-coke dosage of 80 g/L, adsorption time of 90 min and a pH value of 8.34. The ANOVA results indicate that the adsorbent dosage and pH are the significant parameters, while the adsorption time is insignificant, possibly owing to the large range of adsorption time chosen. The textural characteristics of modified semi-coke were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The average BET surface area of modified semi-coke is estimated to be 915 m2/g, with the average pore volume of 0.71 cm3/g and a average pore diameter of 3.09 nm, with micropore volume contributing to 52.36%.
