Electrocoagulation as an Eco-Friendly River Water Treatment Method

Abstract

Electrocoagulation (EC) is an effective water and wastewater treatment technology, where the coagulants are produced in situ by electrolytic oxidation of a sacrificial anode. In this technique, pollutant removal is done without adding chemicals; therefore, it remarkably reduces the sludge produced and consequently reduces the cost of sludge handling. This method has been efficiently used to remove, up to 99%, of a wide range of pollutants such as heavy metals, oil, dyes, and fluoride. Therefore, the EC method could be the cost-effective, safe, and reliable option to face the growing water scarcity. However, like any other treatment method, the EC technology still has some drawbacks that could limit its applications. This chapter has been therefore devoted to present the principles, history, applications, limitations, advantages and disadvantages of the electrocoagulation technology, the role of key operating parameters on the performance of the EC reactors, and highlight the differences between the traditional coagulation process and EC technology. More importantly, this chapter will highlight the defects of EC technology that need to be enhanced.