Modeling Study of Aluminum-Based Electrocoagulation System for Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

The effective treatment of wastewater generated from households, communities, and industries is vital for preserving our environment. Chemical treatment, which involves adding coagulant chemicals directly into the wastewater, is the most popular treatment method. However, due to its high operating costs and the issue of secondary contamination, there is a need for an effective method to address these issues. In this study, we investigated the electrocoagulation (EC) system, which is currently undergoing a revival in research due to its promising features, such as low system and operating costs and its environmentally friendly process. We developed two-dimensional unsteady mathematical models supported by Langmuir isotherm theory to elucidate the underlying physics of the aluminum-based EC process and to understand key control parameters. The developed model was used to analyze the effects of EC cell geometry and operating conditions on the local distribution of intermediate ionic species and their impact on the adsorption behaviors of EC-generated coagulants on arsenic pollutants in the wastewater for the first time. It was found that a higher removal rate was achieved as the EC treatment time and current intensity increased, while the cell gap and inflow rate decreased. Applying the current-off condition during the EC process was found to be an efficient method for increasing the removal rate with less consumption of electrical energy.