Resumen
Ozone application has been generally reported based only on the oxidation of textile dyes. In this study, a central composite design and surface response methodology were applied to optimize operational parameters pH and concentration of the dye in the decolorization process. The oxidation of Corafix BR Red Azo dye in aqueous solutions was carried out in a semi-batch bubble column reactor with ozone production at 0.702 g hour-1. Tests were performed at pH 4, 7 e 10 and initial dye concentration of 50, 100 and 150 mg L-1. The maximum removal efficiency was 98% for pH 10 and initial dye concentration of 50 mg L-1 with pseudo-first order constant rate (k1) of 0.0595 min-1. Statistical analysis determined the influence of pH and dye concentration in the decolorization process. The pH presented a positive effect on the decolorization while the variation in dye concentration had a negative effect on the same variable, indicating the higher the pH and the lower the initial concentration of dye, the higher the efficiency. Toxicity tests performed before and after ozonization showed acute toxicity for the test organism Daphnia similis with higher percentage of mortality after ozonization.