Traditional wastewater treatments involve the addition of chemicals or the use of microorganisms to treat polluted water. However, in both processes, there is always a residue known as sludge. The sludge management and final disposal could represent up to 50% of the total wastewater treatment plant cost [More]

Traditional wastewater treatments involve the addition of chemicals or the use of microorganisms to treat polluted water. However, in both processes, there is always a residue known as sludge. The sludge management and final disposal could represent up to 50% of the total wastewater treatment plant cost. Therefore, novel ways to deal with this issue should be developed. In this way, the use of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), in which the HO• radical production is favored, could represent an interesting option for treat wastewater with less or without sludge production. [More]

The most general layout comprises two electrodes, operating as anode and cathode, connected to a power source. When an energy input and sufficient supporting electrolyte are provided to the system, strong oxidizing species are formed, which interact with the contaminants and degrade them. The refractory compounds are thus converted into reaction intermediates and, ultimately, into water and CO2 by complete mineralization [More]

Engineers derived a statistic analysis using The Electrolytic design for surface response analysis using electrochemical sedimentation. Having considered current density, pH, and electrolysis design, the authors were capable of studying the effects of COD, turbidity, TS removal, and sludge settling with aluminum electrodes, Ferrous Electrodes, Titanium electrodes, etc. [More]

When this happens, the particulates are neutralized by the formation of hydroxide complexes for the purpose of forming agglomerates. These agglomerates begin to form at the bottom of the tank and can be siphen out through filtration [More]

Electrocoagulation-flotation is an alternative method to classic chemical coagulation for many reasons. ECF is capable of reducing the need for chemicals due to the fact that the electrodes provide the coagulant. However, many individuals still use chemical coagulants to attempt to enhance treatment. Traditionally, chemical coagulation involves the use of alum (aluminum sulfate), ferric chloride (FeCl3), or ferrous sulfate (Fe2SO4) which can be very expensive depending on the volume of water treated. When applying the coagulant, the coagulant performs a similar function as the electrodes, neutralizing the charge of the particulates, thereby allow them to agglomerate and settle at the bottom of the tank. In addition, electrocoagulation-flotation is capable of reducing waste production from wastewater treatment and also reduces the time necessary for treatment. [More]

Electro coagulation-electro floatation (ECF) technology is a treatment process of applying electrical current to treat and flocculate contaminants without having to add coagulations. It occurs with the current being applied, capable of removing small particles since direct current applied, setting them into motion. Also electro coagulation could reduce residue for waste production. [More]

Research developments in environmental electrochemistry and their potential to contribute to a cleaner environment are reviewed here for wastewater treatment applications. Most environmental pollutants can be successfully eliminated or converted to non-toxic materials by one or more processes, including electrochemical oxidation, electrochemical reduction, electrocoagulation and electrocoagulation/flotation, electrodialysis, and electrochemical advanced oxidation processes. Specific examples of applications for pollutant removal and reclamation of wastewater are given for the different processes, along with research needs and improvements for commercial application of these electrochemical processes. [More]