Ammonia nitrogen removal from coal gasification wastewater using a falling-film dielectric barrier discharge reactor: Process optimization and toxicity analysis

Abstract

The continuous use of coal gasification technology for green energy generation to supplement the dwindling energy reserves generates significant amounts of wastewater containing ammonia nitrogen, posing a significant risk to the finite drinking water sources and aquatic lives. Herein, two falling-film dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactors with copper and titanium high-voltage electrodes, respectively, were designed to remove ammonia nitrogen (NH3−N) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) simultaneously from coal gasification wastewater. The operational parameters were screened using the Plackett-Burman design, and the significant parameters were further optimized via the response surface methodology. The results showed that the power parameter significantly influenced NH3-N removal, and COD removal was influenced considerably by power and treatment time. Under the optimum conditions (treatment time = 20.32 min, pH = 3, airflow rate = 1 L/min, power = 116 W, and recirculating flow rate = 50.02 mL/min), a removal ratio of 62.33 % and 37.35 % was achieved for NH3-N and COD for the reactor with the copper electrode, and 67.66 % and 44.90 % for NH3-N, and COD for the reactor with the titanium electrode. Additionally, the concentrations of O3, ·OH, and H2O2 produced by the reactors were quantified, and their crucial roles in the removal process of NH3-N were evaluated. Although smaller concentrations of NO2− and NO3− were detected in the treated wastewater, over 97 % of N2 selectivity encompassed NH3-N removal. Finally, acute phytotoxicity tests were performed, and the results indicated that at 100 mL/L dosage, the treated wastewater from both reactors did not restrict Barbarea verna growth.