Abstract
This article deals with the numerical modeling of the multiphysics investigation of an electric-field-based device for the defluoridation of Ethiopian water to mitigate fluorosis while satisfying the World Health Organization quality requirement for potable water. A tubular reactor with metallic parallel plates, connected to a static voltage source, exerts an electric force on the ion in solution, attracting it to the electrodes. Meanwhile, the ion is drifted by the laminar water flow which, in turn, allows us to separate and collect the F $^{-}$ -rich stream from the potable one. In this system, the electrostatic problem and the mass transport are coupled according to the highly nonlinear modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck–Stokes equations system. Therefore, carefully modeling the dielectric permittivity, the ionic diffusivity, and mobility as function of fluoride concentration and temperature, the set of operating parameters to ensure the highest fluoride removal from Ethiopian thermal water is identified.
Highlights
W ATER is a cheap and valuable resource
If high concentration of naturally occurring fluoride ion (F−) is found in drinking water sources, a noticeable increase in the daily load of fluoride can expose the populations to the risk of endemic fluorosis [7]
Neither the electrostatic potential nor the electric field are affected by the water and charge flow
Summary
W ATER is a cheap and valuable resource. It must be managed carefully to avoid shortages and prevent the pollution of available sources [1]. Water can be polluted by human or natural causes, such as the presence of trace elements [2]–[6]. If high concentration of naturally occurring fluoride ion (F−) is found in drinking water sources, a noticeable increase in the daily load of fluoride can expose the populations to the risk of endemic fluorosis [7]. Fluorine is an abundant trace element and it can be found in rocks and sediments, such as syenites, Manuscript received December 12, 2019; revised March 1, 2020; accepted March 18, 2020. Date of publication April 27, 2020; date of current version June 3, 2020.
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