Removal of Heavy Metal Ions by Electrocoagulation for Continuous Use of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺-Mediated Electrochemical Oxidation Solutions

Abstract

Removal of heavy metal ions (Cd 2+ and Zn 2+ ) by electrocoagulation (ECG) was investigated in an acidic condition, which is necessary for re-using or discharging the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) media. Effects of various parameters such as electrolytes, current densities, and electrode materials were examined for a metal-contaminated MEO system using Fe ] were reduced to one-tenth of the initial concentrations, suggesting the possibility of a continuous use of the medium for a subsequent MEO process.