Separation of pollutants from pulp mill wastewater by electrocoagulation

Abstract

The paper and pulp mill industry is facing major problems in the disposal of wastewater generated from bleaching and pulping processes. Hence, effective treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater is still a challenging task. In view of these factors, a research study was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of electrocoagulation process for the treatment of paper mill wastewater. The studies were conducted in an EC reactor of 1.50 L capacity with aluminium electrodes. The effects of operating parameters such as pH, current density, electrolysis duration and applied voltage on turbidity, TOC and COD removal efficiency have been investigated. The maximum COD, turbidity and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies of 89%, 96% and 72% respectively were obtained at pH 7 when the applied voltage was 12 V at electrolysis duration of 40 minutes. The specific energy consumption for the electrochemical treatment of a paper and pulpmill wastewater was estimated.