Optimization of the electrocoagulation process for the removal of copper, lead and cadmium in natural waters and simulated wastewater

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2006-12, Vol.81 (4), p.384-391
• Main Authors: Escobar, Claudio, Soto-Salazar, César, Inés Toral, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; cadmium; chemical treatment; coagulation; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Copper; effluents; electric current; electrical treatment; electrochemistry; Electrocoagulation; Electrodes; Electrolysis - methods; Exact sciences and technology; flow; Fresh Water - chemistry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; heavy metals; lead; Lead and cadmium removal; Metals; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Metals, Heavy - isolation & purification; new technology; optimization; Optimization conditions for electrocoagulation; Pollution; reaction kinetics; Resource management; simulation models; steel; toxic substances; velocity; Waste; Waste Disposal, Fluid - methods; wastewater treatment; Wastewaters; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical - isolation & purification; Water resources; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.11.012

Chemical, electrochemical and flow variables were optimized to examine the effectiveness of the electrocoagulation process for the removal of copper, lead and cadmium. The electrochemical process, which uses electrodes of commercial laminate steel, was applied to simulated wastewater containing 12 mg dm −3 of copper, 4 mg dm −3 of lead and 4 mg dm −3 of cadmium. The optimum conditions for the process were identified as pH=7, flow rate=6.3 cm 3 min −1 and a current density between 31 and 54 A m −2. When the electrode geometric area and time of electrolysis reached critical values, the copper removal reached a maximum value of 80%. A linear relationship was identified between the current density and the mass of generated sludge. In addition, a linear relationship was found between specific energy consumption and current density. The results of this investigation provide important data for the development of an industrial-scale electrolytic reactor.