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A Dual-Functional Electroactive Filter Towards Simultaneously SbIII Oxidation and Sequestration
Published on: December 5, 2019
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Embedding Fe(0) electrocoagulation in a biologically active As(III) oxidising filter bed
Mrinal Roy1, Erik Kraaijeveld1, Jink C J Gude2
1Water Management Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628CN Delft, the Netherlands.
Water Research
|February 8, 2024
Summary
This study presents a novel method for removing arsenic from groundwater by embedding iron electrocoagulation (FeEC) systems within sand filters. This integrated approach efficiently removes both arsenite and arsenate, offering a cost-effective solution for arsenic contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Groundwater arsenic contamination poses significant health risks, including cancer.
- Conventional arsenic removal methods often require chemical oxidants and multiple treatment steps.
- Biological oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) to arsenate (As(V)) in sand filters is effective but requires subsequent As(V) removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an integrated system for simultaneous biological oxidation and electrochemical removal of arsenic from groundwater.
- To assess the performance of an embedded iron electrocoagulation (FeEC) system within a biological sand filter for arsenic removal.
- To compare the efficiency and energy consumption of the embedded FeEC system with conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Embedding an iron electrocoagulation (FeEC) system within a sand filter bed for biological arsenic oxidation and removal.
- Operating the FeEC system within the sand matrix and in the filter supernatant for comparative analysis.
- Evaluating arsenic removal efficiency (As(III) and As(V)) and energy consumption under different operational conditions.
Main Results:
- The embedded FeEC system achieved 81% removal of As(III), outperforming FeEC in the supernatant (67%).
- Comparable removal efficiencies were observed for As(III) and As(V) when FeEC was embedded in the sand filter.
- Energy consumption was higher in the sand matrix (14 Wh/m³) compared to the supernatant (7 Wh/m³), but efficiency increased with deep-bed infiltration of precipitates.
Conclusions:
- Embedding FeEC systems in sand filters is a feasible and effective approach for groundwater arsenic removal.
- This integrated system capitalizes on biological oxidation and electrochemical removal within a single unit, eliminating the need for chemical oxidants.
- The novel approach offers a cost-effective and simplified solution for treating arsenic-contaminated groundwater.
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