Domestic wastewater treatment in a coupled sequential batch reactor‐electrochemical reactor process

Abstract

The effectiveness of a sequenced biological–physicochemical reactor system for treating sewage was studied. The biological degradation was conducted in a Sequential Batch Reactor, which had innovative features for simplifying the operation and maintenance of the reactor. The reactor was operated at 4, 6, 8, and 12 hr cycle. Up to 82% removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), 50% removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), 45% removal of Total Nitrogen (TN), and 45% removal of Total Phosphorus (TP) were achieved. The treated effluent was further polished in a continuous‐flow bipolar‐mode electrochemical reactor to remove additional recalcitrant organic matter from the wastewater. The process parameters were optimized using Response Surface Methodology. At the optimum condition (pH = 8.7; Current = 1.0; reaction time = 9.0), up to 90% removal of COD, 67% removal of DOC, 61% removal of TN, and 99.9% removal of TP were achieved in the coupled system. Micropollutants belonging to Pharmaceutically Active Compounds, pesticides, etc., were significantly removed. The coupled system completely removed Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus. However, coliforms were detected at the outlet samples. A UV or ozone disinfection treatment is recommended for the safe reuse of the treated water for nonpotable purposes. Practioner points Sequential sequential batch reactor‐electrochemical reactor process (SBR‐ECR) technology is effective for micropollutant removal from sewage. The coupled SBR‐ECR system requires less footprint compared to conventional biological systems for wastewater treatment. Carbon material balance study revealed that more than 60% of carbon escapes from wastewater in the form of CO2

Generalized Algebraic Phenomenological Model for Parallel-Plate Bipolar Electrochemical Reactors

“…Cross-sectional area of by-pass piping cm −2 a s area through which the current flows and transforms into parasitic current cm The advantages of using bipolar electrochemical reactors in various processes and applications are clear and abundant. From corrosion research applications 1 to electropolymerization applications, 2 wastewater treatment, 3,4 and metal recovery, 5 these reactors have proven to be highly versatile. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in the production of green hydrogen using these reactors, with various mechanisms being explored.…”