Abstract
This work evaluated the performance of an electrochemical oxidation process (EOP), using boron-doped diamond on niobium substrate (Nb/BDD), for the treatment of a reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) produced from a petrochemical wastewater. The effects of applied current density (5, 10, or 20 mA·cm−2) and oxidation time (0 to 5 h) were evaluated following changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC). Current efficiency and specific energy consumption were also evaluated. Besides, the organic byproducts generated by EOP were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results show that current densities and oxidation time lead to a COD and TOC reduction. For the 20 mA·cm−2, changes in the kinetic regime were found at 3 h and associated to the oxidation of inorganic ions by chlorinated species. After 3 h, the oxidants act in the organic oxidation, leading to a TOC removal of 71%. Although, due to the evolution of parallel reactions (O2, H2O2, and O3), the specific energy consumption also increased, the resulting consumption value of 66.5 kW·h·kg−1 of COD is considered a low energy requirement representing lower treatment costs. These results encourage the applicability of EOP equipped with Nb/BDD as a treatment process for the ROC.
Highlights
The large volume of water used in industrial processes, in association with water scarcity, leads the industries to develop practices of economy and reuse of process water [1]
The concentrate from the Reverse osmosis (RO) process has organic compounds that can have a serious impact on water bodies if improperly discharged
This study showed that the electrochemical oxidation process (EOP) can be an alternative treatment for organic removal from the Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC)
Summary
The large volume of water used in industrial processes, in association with water scarcity, leads the industries to develop practices of economy and reuse of process water [1]. Industries apply physico-chemical and biological processes to treat the wastewater. These processes are not capable to generate water of the standard required for reuse. Considering that in the petrochemical industry the highest water consumption occurs in cooling towers, the reuse water should not contain ions and organic matter, which can lead to corrosion and incrustation [2]. Petrochemical wastewater is an environmental concern, showing high toxicity and recalcitrant compounds, such as phenolic compounds or aromatic amines.
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