Simultaneous removal of lead, chromium and cadmium from synthetic water by electrocoagulation: Optimization through response surface methodology

•Simultaneous removal of lead, chromium and cadmium from synthetic water by electrocoagulation process (EC).•Optimization of EC process by using of BBD model of RSM.•BBD model of RSM is found the most desirable method to optimize EC process.•Lead and cadmium concentration in treated water is also found below the level set by the CPCB Indian Standard for effluent.