Treatment of landfill leachate by electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes

Abstract

Leachate is wastewater decomposition of organic waste that can contaminate soil and groundwater if it is not handle properly. Contamination by leachate can be be prevented by reducing leachate level before the wastewater reaches the ground. One of the methods used is electrocoagulation. Electrocoagulation is an electrochemical water treatment method where in anoda occured the release of active coagulant as metalic ion, while in cathode occured the electrolysis reaction in a form of the release of hydrogen gas. This study is objected to investigate the effectiveness of electrocoagulation in removing Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD 5 ), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), NH 3 -N and lead (Pb) of leachate. In this research, the processing of leachate with electrocoagulation method using aluminum electrode has been proceed with the dimension of electrode 16.5 cm × 7 cm × 0.2 cm. Optimum conditions and the effectiveness of electrocoagulation for each parameter are in the current density 30 A/m 2 with 60 minutes of time process. The electrocoagulation method is effectively reduced the value of TSS 46.80%; BOD 5 71.33%; COD 73.77%; Pb 62.5%; NH 3 -N 57.92%; and for the increased of pH from 8.03 to 8.95, respectively. Electrocoagulation method are successfully reduced the levels of pollutants in accordance with environmental standard.