A combined electrocoagulation-sorption process applied to mixed industrial wastewater
Ivonne Linares-Hernández1, Carlos Barrera-Díaz, Gabriela Roa-Morales
1Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Facultad de Química, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan S/N, C.P. 50120, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 23, 2006
Summary
This study shows that combining aluminium electrocoagulation with biosorption effectively removes organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. This dual treatment significantly reduces chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, color, turbidity, and fecal coliforms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Industrial wastewater contains complex organic pollutants that pose environmental risks.
- Conventional treatment methods may not fully address the diverse range of contaminants.
- Advanced oxidation processes and biological treatments are being explored for enhanced removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of aluminium electrocoagulation combined with biosorption for industrial wastewater treatment.
- To optimize the electrocoagulation process parameters for maximum pollutant removal.
- To assess the synergistic effect of combining electrocoagulation with biosorption.
Main Methods:
- Aluminium electrocoagulation was performed under optimized conditions (pH 8, 45.45 A/m²).
- Biosorption was employed as a polishing step following electrocoagulation.
- Pollutant levels (COD, BOD5, color, turbidity, fecal coliforms) were monitored using UV-Vis spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry.
- Biosorbent characterization was conducted using SEM and EDS.
Main Results:
- Electrocoagulation significantly reduced organic pollutants.
- The combined treatment achieved enhanced removal: 84% COD, 78% BOD5, 97% color, 98% turbidity, and 99% fecal coliforms.
- Characterization confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment process.
Conclusions:
- The integrated electrocoagulation-biosorption process is highly effective for treating complex industrial wastewater.
- This combined approach offers a robust solution for reducing organic pollution and improving water quality.
- The study provides valuable insights into optimizing electrochemical and biological treatment strategies.
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