Deactivation of cyanobacteria blooms and simultaneous recovery phosphorus through electrolysis method

A novel method for remediating eutrophic lakes through electrolysis was made possible by one titanium (Ti) mesh, which serves as a cathode and two anodes of Ti mesh coated with ruthenium (IV) oxide and iridium (IV) oxide (RuO₂-IrO₂/Ti). Once the three-electrode components RuO₂-IrO₂/Ti and Ti are stabilized, they can carry out electrolytic reaction to control cyanobacteria blooms and assist with the remediation of eutrophic water. The order of influence on the theoretical energy consumption involved in removing algae is as follows: The electrode spacing was more effective than electrode voltage, which proved more effective than electrolysis time through the orthogonal test method. Thus, an electrode spacing of 60 mm, an electrode voltage of 30 V, and an electrolysis time of 12 h are the optimal electrolysis methods used to remove cyanobacterial blooms. The strong acidic environment produced by the anode increased the concentration of hydroxyl radical (•OH) and other strong oxidizing substances, which were the main roles that made cyanobacteria bloom inactivation. The electrolysis reaction was conducive to the transformation of organophosphorus in cyanobacterial blooms to dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in water. Some DIP was most deposited on the cathode after electro-depositing enhanced the removal of P in water with the 12-h prolonged electrolysis time. Meanwhile, it was beneficial to reduce the total nitrogen (TN) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) in the water. Thus, electrolysis proved to be an effective way to the inactivation of cyanobacteria blooms and simultaneously recover P as the concentration became higher.