Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 30 Number 2 (2026): 1710
Research Article
Degradation of methyl orange by Fe(III) TAML/H2O2
catalytic system: Response
surface analysis of process
parameters
Siti Nur Khairunnisa Mahassan, Nabilah
Ismail*, and Nora Salina Md
Salim
Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia
Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
*Corresponding author: nabilah.i@umt.edu.my
Received: 23 September 2025;
Revised: 16 January 2026; Accepted: 23 February 2026; Published: 30 April 2026
Abstract
Methyl Orange (MO)
is a synthetic azo dye widely used in textile and laboratory applications and
is classified as a micropollutant due to its toxicity, persistence, and
resistance to conventional wastewater treatment processes. In this study, the
catalytic degradation of MO was investigated using a homogeneous
Fe(III)-TAML/H₂O₂ system, with emphasis on evaluating the effects
and interactions of key process parameters using Response Surface Methodology
(RSM). A Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to evaluate the effects
and interactions of four independent variables, namely pH, stirring speed,
catalyst ratio, and dye ratio, on the percentage degradation of MO. The
developed quadratic model exhibited strong statistical significance (R² =
0.9178) and revealed significant interaction and non-linear effects among the
operating parameters. Based on the model-predicted conditions, high MO degradation
(96.43%) was observed at pH 9.5, stirring speed 500 rpm, catalyst ratio 1, and dye
ratio 100. Experimental validation under these conditions achieved 92.33%
degradation, with a deviation
of less than 5% from the predicted
value, confirming the model's reliability. Across the experimental domain, MO degradation efficiencies ranged from approximately
5% to over 94%, depending on operating conditions. The results demonstrated
that the Fe(III)-TAML/H₂O₂ catalytic system was a highly efficient
and environmentally sustainable advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the
removal of azo dyes. The conditions identified in this study provided valuable
quantitative guidance for the application of this catalytic system in practical
wastewater treatment, particularly for dye-contaminated effluents.
Keywords: response surface methodology, degradation, methyl orange,
catalytic system
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