Reverse electrodialysis performed at pilot plant scale: Evaluation of redox processes and simultaneous generation of electric energy and treatment of wastewater

Abstract

This paper describes the experimental campaign carried out with a reverse electrodialysis (RED) demonstration plant (Marsala, Italy) with the main aims of: (i) evaluating the effect of various operating parameters, including the redox processes, on the system performances; (ii) using the plant for the simultaneous generation of electric energy and treatment of wastewater. The prototype (44 × 44 cm2, 500 cell pairs) was tested using both real (brackish water and brine) and artificial solutions. Tests with two different electrode rinse solutions (with or without iron redox couples) were performed. In agreement with the data obtained in the laboratory, the presence of iron ions contributes positively to the power production. The effect of flow rates in the electrode and saline compartments, as well as aging of the electrode rinse solution was also investigated. The possibility to remove an organic pollutant (the azoic dye Acid Orange 7) from the electrode solution was tested, obtaining a very fast and total removal of the pollutant. This experimental campaign represents the first demonstration in a real environment of the abilities of a RED plant to treat wastewater, thus giving useful indications for the spreading of RED technology in the near future.