Removal Comparison and Cost Evaluation of 2,6-Dichlorophenol

Abstract

In this study, 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP), 5 mg/L was targeted as a priority pollutant and removed using chemical coagulation (CC), adsorption (AD), and electrocoagulation (EC) processes. Aluminum sulfate (AS) and ferrous sulfate (FS) were used as coagulant and adsorbent in CC and AD respectively, while EC experiments were performed in an electrolytic cell using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes. The effects of various process parameters, including pH, process time, agitation speed, dose, and operating cost, were investigated. The results indicated that AS showed better removal efficiency than FS in all the process. The overall results of the study showed that 2,6-DCP removal efficiency (PRE) is parameter-dependent for each process. Maximum PRE for AS (75%, 76%, and 98%) and for FS (68%, 70%, and 89%) was achieved in CC, AD, and EC processes, respectively, at an adsorbent dosage of 4 g. A comparative study of CC, AD, and EC showed that conventional treatment processes (CC and AD) displayed less efficiency with long process times and were highly dependent on solution pH. In EC treatment; fewer chemicals were used and high efficiency was obtained. Therefore, it can be concluded that all the three process can be used in series for removal of phenol at low operating cost.