Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater by Intermittent Electrocoagulation

Abstract

Abstract:The continuous release of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the aquatic environment, as a result of the inadequate removal by conventional treatment methods, has prompted research to explore viable solutions to this rising global problem. One promising alternative is the use of electrochemical processes since they represent a simple and highly efficient technology with less footprint. In this paper, the feasibility of treating ECs (i.e., pharmaceuticals) using an intermittent electrocoagulation process, a known electrochemical technology, has been investigated. Diclofenac (DCF), carbamazepine (CBZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) were chosen as being representative of highly consumed drugs that are frequently detected in our water resources and were added in synthetic municipal wastewater. The removal efficiencies of both individual and combined pharmaceuticals were determined under different experimental conditions: hydraulic retention time (HRT) (6, 19 and 38 h), initial concentration (0.01, 4 and 10 mg/L) and intermittent application (5 min ON/20 min OFF) of current density (0.5, 1.15 and 1.8 mA/cm 2 ). Results have shown that these parameters have significant effects on pharmaceutical degradation. Maximum removals (DCF = 90%, CBZ = 70% and AMX = 77%) were obtained at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm 2 , an initial concentration of 10 mg/L and HRT of 38 h.

Optimization of photochemical decomposition acetamiprid pesticide from aqueous solutions and effluent toxicity assessment by Pseudomonas aeruginosa BCRC using response surface methodology

“…pH, temperature, and ORP were obtained using a multiparametric probe (HQ40d). The degree of mineralization of the Acetamiprid was ascertained by measuring the chemical oxygen demand (COD) according to standard methods (Ensano et al 2017 ). Also, the by-products resulting from decomposition of acetamiprid were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass (GC–MS) (Wang and Shih 2016 ).…”

Synthesis and characterization of SnO2 crystalline nanoparticles: A new approach for enhancing the catalytic ozonation of acetaminophen

“…The biorecalcitrant pollutants, such as PCs, are only removed partially by the conventional wastewater treatment processes (Kanakaraju et al, 2018;Luján-Facundo et al, 2019), accordingly, advanced techniques are needed to achieve a complete degradation of these persistent contaminants. Among the various new technologies have been developed (Mashayekh-Salehi and Moussavi, 2016;Ensano et al, 2017;Radjenović et al, 2009;Shariati et al, 2010;Escolà Casas et al, 2015;Tambosi et al, 2010), ozone based-advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are recommended for water treatment in view of PCs removal (Klavarioti et al, 2009;Feng L., 2014). Previous studies have shown that the use of sole ozonation process (SOP) has great advantages in removing odor and color, however is not particularly effective in eliminating PCs (Saeid et al, 2018;Wang and Bai, 2017).…”

Vitamin C assisted synthesis of rGO–Ag/PANI nanocomposites for improved photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical wastes

“…Many methods, such as chemical treatment, ltration, activated sludge, reverse osmosis, electrocoagulation, and advanced oxidation process, have been employed for the removal of paracetamol from contaminated water. [5][6][7][8] Among the advanced oxidation (AO) processes, light-driven photocatalytic degradation has received considerable attention due to its costeffectiveness, eco-friendly nature, and the absence of residual secondary pollutants. 9,10 Therefore, the modication or synthesis of novel photocatalysts for this purpose is a prime concern in the eld of AO.…”