Enhancing Lead Ion Removal from Simulated Wastewater through Continuous Electrocoagulation Process: Investigating Operating Parameters and Adsorption Behavior

Abstract

Abstract Electrocoagulation, a promising method for the removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions, was investigated in this study. The effects of different operational parameters on the removal of lead ions were examined using a continuous electrocoagulation process in an 800 ml electrocoagulation cell. The experimental setup involved varying the hydraulic retention time (HRT) in intervals of 15, 25, 35, and 45 minutes, adjusting the applied voltage from 2 to 10 volts, manipulating the rotation speed at 0, 50, 100, and 150 rpm, and altering the distance between the electrodes at 2.3 and 2.7 cm. The initial concentration of lead ions in the aqueous solution was set at 200 mg Hg+2/L. The results revealed that an extended HRT significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of lead ions, with the maximum efficiency attained at a 45-minute HRT. Increasing the applied voltage up to 10 volts also improved the removal efficiency. However, as the distance between the electrodes increased, the removal efficiency decreased. Regarding the rotation speed, an increasing trend in removal efficiency was observed up to 100 rpm. Beyond this threshold, the removal efficiency gradually declined due to the destabilization of the formed flocs. Under optimal operating conditions, including a hydraulic retention time of 45 minutes, an applied voltage of 10 volts, a rotational velocity of 100 rpm, 2.3 cm between the electrodes, a lead concentration of 200 mg/l, and a pH of 7, a remarkable maximum removal efficiency of 97% was achieved. The electrodes utilized in the experiment were composed of aluminum/stainless steel (Al/St. St.).