The electrocoagulation (EC) process (using electrically coupled interconnections) was investigated forthe treatment of textile wastewater. The impact of several operating parameters such as bipolarelectrode element (Fe or Al), electrolysis time (RT), current intensity (I), pH, chemical support, inter- electrode distance (IED), and stirring speed (Mrpm) were examined. Additionally, the consumption ofelectrodes and electrical energy, sludge compaction, operating costs and a comparison with thetraditional chemical coagulation method has been thoroughly investigated. The most suitable ECperformance was achieved by using monopolar and bipolar aluminum-type plates. These plates werealternated within the electrode pack for 90 min. Preliminary results showed the following optimal3 operating conditions: I=0.6 A, pH=6, NaCl=0.1 kg/m , IED=0.5 cm, and Mrpm=500. Theimplementation of these parameters on textile wastewater revealed a relatively high removal efficiencyof COD (92.6%), TSS (96.4%), color (96.5%), BOD5 (88%), TDS (87%), turbidity (96%), phenols3 (over 99%), and phosphate (95%). The overall operating cost for the EC operation was 1.76US$/m .This value was calculated based on the electrode and energy consumption, chemicals, and sludgedisposal. The EC operation was found to be more efficient than the traditional chemical coagulationprocess.
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