Electrocoagulation/flotation (ECF) technology as a process for denitrification in water and wastewater treatment

Using chemical coagulants for precipitation is one of the most essential processes in conventional water and wastewater treatment. Generation of large volumes of sludge, the hazardous waste categorization of metal hydroxides, and high costs associated with chemical treatments have made chemical coagulation less acceptable compared to other processes. Effective process for nitrate removal has been studied by using electrochemical reduction with metallic soluble anodes. The main aim of this research is to present results of denitrification experiments using aluminium electrodes in an electrocoagulation/flotation (ECF) reactor. Batch experiments were designed and conducted to investigate the effects of the different parameters. Nitrate removal efficiency depends on electrolysis time and current values. At both low current and electrolysis time, the nitrate removal efficiency was lower. A minimum of 55 min electrolysis time is required to reduce nitrate concentration from 45 mg/L–N to maximum acceptable level at a current value of 2.5 A. At an operating current of 2.5A, the nitrate removal efficiency can reach up to 90%. It is concluded that the electrocoagulation technology for denitrification can be an effective process provided that the ammonia byproduct can be removed effectively.

کلیدواژه ها:

Water and Wastewater treatment ، Electrocoagulation/flotation (ECF) process ، and Nitrate removal