Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol.51, No.27, 9335-9342, 2012
Synergy of Electrochemical/O-3 Process with Aluminum Electrodes in Industrial Wastewater Treatment
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pH (3-9) and current density (16-66 mA/cm(2)) on the removal of COD, color, and turbidity with electrochemical, ozonation, and combined electrochemical/ozonation processes. Regarding the electrochemical process, under optimal conditions of pH 9 and a current density of 66 mA/cm(2), the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced by 44% after 30 min. The ozonation treatment was found to be more effective at pH 9 and reduced 63% of the original COD after only 12.5 min of treatment. Combining the electrochemical and ozonation processes resulted in a synergy that enhanced the removal of all three contaminants (COD, color, and turbidity). A COD removal of 79% (170 mg/L) was attained after only 12.5 min and at relatively low current density. Thus, the combination of the electrochemical and ozonation processes is able to noticeably improve wastewater quality.