Phosphate and Nitrate Removal from Coffee Processing Wastewater Using a Photoelectrochemical Oxidation Process

Water quality, whether utilized for home, irrigation, or recreational reasons, is crucial for health in both developing and developed countries around the world. For the treatment of nitrate (NO₃) and phosphate (PO₃) from coffee processing wastewater, photoelectrochemical oxidation was used. This process is mainly used to destroy pollutants through the production and use of powerful oxidized species such as hydroxyl radical (OH). It investigated the effects of Uv/H₂O₂ on electrochemical processes and the effects of various parameters such as pH, time, current, and electrolytes. The results were calculated and analyzed using response surface methodology and Microsoft Excel. Hybrid photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) using UV and hydrogen peroxide (UV/H₂O₂) methods removed nitrates (99.823%) and phosphates (99.982%). These results were obtained with pH 7, current 0.40 amperes, and 1.5 g calcium chloride after 40 minutes of electrolysis. CaCl₂ was more effective in removing organic compounds from coffee processing wastewater. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 95% confidence limit was used to determine the significance of the independent variable.