Discharge Of Metals Research Articles

2D/3D MXene/NiFeMn-layered double hydroxide decorated gelatin for removal of Cr(VI) and Congo red: Performance and mechanism

The discharge of toxic heavy metals and dyes into water is considered a principal reason for ecosystem deterioration. Therefore, the development of versatile adsorbents that can treat this threat is an urgent issue. On this basis, we designed and characterized a novel Ti3C2TX/NiFeMn-LDH@Gel composite to aptly remove hazardous hexavalent chromium ions Cr(VI) and organic Congo red dye (CR). Ti3C2TX/NiFeMn-LDH@Gel composite was facilely synthesized by introducing NiFeMn-layered double hydroxide and Ti3C2TX MXene into gelatin via a cross-linking reaction. Experimental data revealed that raising Ti3C2TX amount to 10 % in the matrix has dramatically promoted the adsorption aptitude of Ti3C2TX/NiFeMn-LDH@Gel towards Cr(VI) and CR. Freundlich model best described Cr(VI) and CR adsorption, with qmax reaching 423.73 mg/g, and 588.24 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) and CR were fitted to the pseudo-second order model accompanied with spontaneity, randomness, and endothermic behavior. In addition, stability, and selectivity of Ti3C2TX/NiFeMn-LDH@Gel were investigated. Effect of ionic strength and interfering ions were explored as well. Besides, the recyclability test inferred superb adsorption capacities towards Cr(VI) and CR till the 5th cycle, revealing the potentiality of Ti3C2TX/NiFeMn-LDH@Gel towards anionic contaminants removal.

Spatiotemporal distribution and potential risks of metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in seawater from the Zhifu Bay and its surrounding areas, Yellow Sea, China (2015–2019)

To investigate the concentrations, spatiotemporal distribution, correlation with environmental factors, and potential risks of four metals (Hg, Cu, Pb, and Cd) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in seawater from the Zhifu Bay and its surrounding areas, surface seawater samples were collected from 10 stations in spring, summer, and autumn of 2015–2019. Compared with values from other regions, the average concentrations of metals and TPHs were in the low and medium levels, respectively. Concentrations of all the study pollutants decreased in the offshore direction, suggesting that most of these pollutants are from land and nearshore sources. Annual variation patterns indicated decreasing trends of Cu and TPHs, and due to the seasonal differences in river discharges, rainfalls, and human activities, wet seasons (summer and/or autumn) exhibited higher concentrations of Hg, Cu, and TPHs than dry season (spring). The potential ecological risk of Cu and carcinogenic health risk of Cd suggest that the discharge of metals from the sea should be more strictly controlled.

Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide-Cerium Oxide Nanocomposites to Zebrafish Embryos: A Preliminary Evaluation.

The widespread use of metal nanoparticles in different fields has raised many doubts regarding their possible toxicity to living organisms and the accumulation and discharge of metals in fish species. Among these nanoparticles, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles have mainly been employed in photocatalysis and water depuration. The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential toxic effects, after a co-exposure of TiO2-3%CeO2 nanoparticles, on zebrafish development, using an acute toxicity test. Increasing concentrations of TiO2-3%CeO2 nanoparticles were used (0.1-1-10-20 mg/L). The heartbeat rate was assessed using DanioscopeTM software (version 1.2) (Noldus, Leesburg, VA, USA), and the responses to two biomarkers of exposure (Heat shock proteins-70 and Metallothioneins) were evaluated through immunofluorescence. Our results showed that the co-exposure to TiO2-3%CeO2 nanoparticles did not affect the embryos' development compared to the control group; a significant difference (p < 0.05) at 48 hpf heartbeat for the 1, 10, and 20 mg/L groups was found compared to the unexposed group. A statistically significant response (p < 0.05) to Heat shock proteins-70 (Hsp70) was shown for the 0.1 and 1 mg/L groups, while no positivity was observed in all the exposed groups for Metallothioneins (MTs). These results suggest that TiO2-3%CeO2 nanocomposites do not induce developmental toxicity; instead, when considered separately, TiO2 and CeO2 NPs are harmful to zebrafish embryos, as previously shown.

Copper and cadmium, isolated and in the mixture, impact the Neotropical freshwater Calanoida copepod Notodiaptomus iheringi: A short-term approach with environmental concentrations

Metal discharges in aquatic ecosystems are of concern since they affect different trophic levels, altering the functioning of the aquatic food chain. The metals can interact among them and with other pollutants, resulting in complex mixtures whose effects on biota are unpredictable. The impacts of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd), isolated and combined, on the freshwater copepod Notodiaptomus iheringi were assessed in acute and sub-chronic exposures. Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves were constructed for both metals. In the acute tests antagonism was observed in mortality, while in sub-chronic, mortality was not affected; however, the eggs produced and percentage of viable eggs were significantly altered. Our data suggest that egg production can be a detoxification route in N. iheringi under Cu and mixture exposure. From the SSD curves, N. iheringi was the most sensitive Brazilian species for Cu and the second most sensitive for Cd.

Comparative physiological response of filamentous cyanobacteria Phormidium tenue and Leptolyngbya lignicola under chromium (VI) stress

AbstractNumerous technologies for cleaning the environment without producing hazardous waste products have arisen in response to the rise in environmental pollution. Industrialization and the growing population have put society to a hard test. Continuous discharge of heavy metals (chromium, nickel, copper, mercury etc.) in water bodies is increasing by anthropogenic activities; these cause bio accumulation and shift towards a resistant microbial community. These hazardous metals enter the human body through water and food, creating a slew of health issues. Chromium (VI) is one such toxic pollutant and is more toxic than chromium (III). Several environment‐friendly technologies have been developed for decontaminating wastewater by using microorganisms. Microalgae, cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi are used for heavy metals eradication from the water due to their metal tolerance, bioaccumulation and biotransformation capacity. In this study two cyanobacteria strains were compared for their physiological response and metal tolerance for Cr (VI) stress. Leptolyngbya lignicola and Phormidium tenue were grown in a medium containing various concentrations of chromium (1 ppm, 2 ppm, 3 ppm, 4 ppm, 5 ppm, and 10 ppm), and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein, proline, amino acid, carbohydrate, reducing sugar and lipid content) were measured. The findings revealed that P. tenue was more sensitive to metal stress than L. lignicola. P. tenue showed a decreasing trend for all biochemical parameters except proline at higher ad lower doses of Cr (VI) stress. However L. lignicola showed an increase in biomass (6.09%) and other biochemical parameters over control at lower metal stress concentration (1 ppm), whereas, a gradual decrease in all parameters except proline was observed at higher concentrations. Further L. lignicola showing high tolerance index can be preferred for metal remediation from the water bodies of heavy metal contaminated area.

Histopathological alteration in the liver of Sardinella longiceps as a biomarker of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystem.

The discharge of heavy metals from industrial effluents into aquatic ecosystems is a major cause of serious aquatic pollution. The bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals in aquatic species can lead to their transmission to the food chain, posing serious public health risks. Present study was done to assess heavy metal accumulation and histopathological analysis in the liver of Sardinella longiceps collected from Sassoon dock during the rainy season between 2019 to 2022. It was found that amongst studied heavy metals Cu, Cr, and Mn concentration was beyond the permissible limit of WHO and FAO guidelines. Histopathological analysis of liver tissues during the studied period showed various architectural alteration which could be due to the accumulation of heavy metals found in it.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface water of Bangladesh

Industrial discharge of heavy metals severely deteriorates surface water quality in many parts of the world, particularly in lower-middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This study collected published data from 30 different surface water bodies in Bangladesh, including rivers, lakes, freshwater wetlands (Haors), and river estuaries, on mean concentrations of 12 heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Al, Fe, Mn, As, and Co) in surface water bodies from 2010 to 2022. The study aimed to explore the pollution source and levels of heavy metals in the surface water of Bangladesh. The water quality status and correlations between variables were assessed using the heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), and principal component analysis (PCA). The analysis results showed that the average heavy metal concentrations in the surface water of Bangladesh were in the order of Fe>Al>Mn>Cr>Zn>Cu>As>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd>Hg in the range of 3.98 ppm to 0.004 ppm. It also showed that Dhaka, Chittagong, Mymensingh divisions, and Bogra city of Rajshahi division are the most polluted areas of Bangladesh in terms of heavy metal concentration, whereas Khulna and Sylhet divisions are moderately polluted. The results showed that about 83.3 % of water bodies have HPI values greater than 100, which is considered unsafe for consumption. However, the HEI analysis revealed that about 46.7 % of water bodies were in the high pollution category (HEI > 20). The correlation matrix of heavy metals illustrated strong positive linear relationships between Cr and Co, Cu and As, Cu and Cd, and As and Cd. The principal component analysis suggested that the most contributing sources of pollution in the studied area are related to different anthropogenic activities, such as municipal waste and industrial effluent discharge, including tanneries, textile and dyeing industries, shipbreaking yards, and gas production plants, as well as agricultural runoff.

Heavy metals in wetlands of southwestern India: from sediments through invertebrates to migratory shorebirds

Heavy metal pollution in Indian wetlands is rising due to industrial, agricultural and urban development activities. Shorebirds occupy upper trophic levels and are therefore especially vulnerable to heavy metal pollution. We evaluated the concentration of heavy metals (zinc, copper, cobalt, chromium, lead and cadmium) in 22 common species of migrant shorebirds (220 shorebird dropping samples) with diverse foraging behaviors, in their different prey (55 prey samples) and in the sediments (90 sediment samples) in different habitat types (mudflats, mangroves and sand beaches) between 2019 and 2021. Further, we analyzed a total of 10 biofilm samples from mudflats and mangroves. We detected relatively low concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments (Zn concentration range: 9.11–40.91 mg/kg; Cu: 5.74–21.38 mg/kg; Co: 2.00–4.04 mg/kg; Cr: 4.05–41.03 mg/kg; Pb: 1.02–7.19 mg/kg; Cd: 0.56–4.35 mg/kg). However, we measured relatively high concentrations of heavy metals in invertebrate prey species (Zn concentration range: 84.72–224.74 mg/kg; Cu: 26.63–170.36 mg/kg; Co: 13.98–14.42 mg/kg; Cr: 14.78–98.16 mg/kg; Pb: 18.95–157.29 mg/kg; Cd: 9.33–60.56 mg/kg). In addition, we found high concentrations of heavy metals in shorebird droppings (Zn concentration range: 41.33–58.8 mg/kg; Cu: 31.42–52.11 mg/kg; Co: 36.34–55.68 mg/kg; Cr: 52.3–68.21 mg/kg; Pb: 25.94–43.13 mg/kg; Cd: 5.53–16.4 mg/kg). It is evident that concentration of heavy metals increased successively moving from sediment to prey to shorebird species, likely through trophic transfer. The biofilm samples contained very high concentrations of Cr, Pb and Cd (22.64, 28.09 and 18.46 mg/kg respectively) which could be harmful to biofilm grazing shorebirds. Since bioaccumulation of heavy metals entail risks in living species, we suggest that increasing concentrations may detrimentally affect physiological processes in invertebrates and shorebirds. There is an urgent need to identify the sources of pollution and to reduce the discharge of heavy metals and other pollutants into coastal and inland wetlands.

Interplay among Metallic Interlayers, Discharge Rate, and Pressure in LLZO-Based Lithium–Metal Batteries

Interplay among Metallic Interlayers, Discharge Rate, and Pressure in LLZO-Based Lithium–Metal Batteries

Heavy Metal Distribution Characteristics, Water Quality Evaluation, and Health Risk Evaluation of Surface Water in Abandoned Multi-Year Pyrite Mine Area

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major anthropogenic source of heavy metal discharge worldwide. However, little research has been carried out on the development of AMD in abandoned pyrite mines and the heavy metal contamination of mine surface water. The aim of this study was to investigate and assess heavy metal pollution in three streams within an abandoned pyrite mine area in southeastern Shaanxi Province, China. Surface water pollution was assessed using the pollution index assessment method and the health risk assessment model. The results showed that the combined heavy metal pollution indices of the surveyed rivers were Tielu Creek (4699.227), Jiancao Creek (228.840), and Daoban Creek (68.106). After multivariate statistical analysis, it was found that the tailings slag and mine chamber in the abandoned mine area were the main causes of AMD, and AMD posed a serious risk of heavy metal pollution to the surrounding waters. The risk of carcinogenicity of heavy metals is also quite high in the surface water of mining area. Therefore, there is an urgent need to ecologically manage heavy metal pollution from abandoned mine sites, and this study provides insights into understanding heavy metal pollution in the aquatic environment of abandoned mine sites.

Enhanced heavy metal discharges to marine deposits in glacial bays of two Arctic fjords (Hornsund and Kongsfjorden)

Climate change is transforming Arctic ecosystems in ways that are influencing the transport and accumulation of contaminants. The spatial and temporal variability of heavy metal distribution was studied in two Spitsbergen fjords – Kongsfjorden and Hornsund. Sediment cores from five stations in Kongsfjorden and six in Hornsund were collected in 2018–2019 and used for measurement of heavy metal concentrations (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn). Sediment layers were dated by the 210Pb method to reveal the history of contamination. Isotopic lead composition was used to study sources of Pb. Loads of heavy metals to fjord deposits were calculated based on mass sediment accumulation rates. The heavy metal loads varied spatially and reached ranged 0.3 mg m−2 yr−1 for Hg, 57.6 mg m−2 yr−1 for Pb, 0.5 mg m−2 yr−1 for Cd, 101 mg m−2 yr−1 for Cu, and 117 mg m−2 yr−1 for Zn. Heavy metal discharge from the glaciers to the glacial bays were much higher compared to discharge in central and outer fjord parts. This may suggest that glaciers can be important secondary sources of pollutants to fjords.

Toxicity assessment of lead, nickel and cadmium on zebra fish augmented with Bacillus xiamenensis VITMSJ3: An insight on the defense mechanism against oxidative stress due to heavy metals.

Increased urbanization in recent years has let to discharge of heavy metals into the environment which has caused severe impacts on soil as well as water. Therefore the current study was aimed to assess the toxicity of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) from the contaminated water using zebra fish Danio rerio and detoxification of metals upon augmentation with Bacillus xiamenensis. Exposure doses till 150mgL-1 of Pb, Ni and Cd in water showed lethal effects on fish. Similarly the histopathological analysis showed severe tissue disruption in the gills and liver which were less upon supplementation with bacterial strain VITMSJ3. On the 20th day, the uptake concentration of Pb, Ni and Cd in zebra fish was found to be 87mgL-1, 89mgL-1 and 91mgL-1 respectively with VITMSJ3, from the water. Antioxidant enzymatic activities showed an increase upon bacterial supplementation, which reduced the oxidative stress. Further SEM-EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of Pb, Ni and Cd ions adsorbed on the gills. The results clearly showed less oxidative damages in fish with increased head and reduced tail%. Overall, the results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments compared with the control.

Utilization of brown seaweed adsorbent for effective removal of Pb(II) from wastewater: Biosorption and column studies

&lt;p&gt;Researchers have been focusing on protecting water quality and preventing environmental contamination caused by industrial discharge of heavy metals. Various methods have been explored for extracting these metals from wastewater, but they often prove to be costly and rely on non-renewable resources. Adsorption, however, offers a promising solution due to its stability, affordability, and ease of implementation. In this research, continuous biosorption tests were conducted using a glass column filled with Sargassum Wightii (SW) seaweed, with Pb(II) ions used as a model solute. Varying bed heights (15-25cm) and flow rates (0.3-0.6 L/hr) in the column tests aimed to maximize biosorption efficiency. The optimal conditions for metal uptake and removal were a bed height of 25cm and a flow rate of 0.3L/hr, resulting in Sargassum Wightii adsorbing 41.17mg/g of metals with a removal efficiency of 69.07%. The Modified dose-response model effectively characterized Pb(II) biosorption at different bed heights and flow rates. Column regeneration studies demonstrated breakthrough and sorption within 2 hours, complete depletion at 24 hours, and an elution efficiency of 99.2% using 0.1M NaOH, allowing for up to three cycles of biosorbent reuse.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Hydrometallurgical recovery of silver and gold from waste printed circuit boards and treatment of the wastewater in a biofilm reactor: An integrated pilot application

A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of gold and silver from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) was experimentally verified and tested at pilot scale. The process comprises four sequential leaching stages; the first two based on HCl, correspond to base metals (e.g. Sn, Cu) removal, while the third is based on HNO3 for Ag leaching and the final on aqua regia for Au leaching. After base metals leaching, the solid residue, enriched in silver and gold about 5 times, contained silver almost quantitively as insoluble AgCl and significant losses (Ag loss <8%) were avoided. The necessary reduction of Ag in the solid phase was achieved with a solution of 0.5 M N2H4 and 3 M NaOH, at 80 °C and S/L ratio 10%. Leaching of silver by 4 M HNO3 was followed by its recovery from nitrate solution by 0.08 Μ N2H4 at ambient temperature with an efficiency of 83%. Gold was leached by aqua regia and quantitively recovered by 0.13 M N2H4 at ambient temperature. Wastewater resulting from the process, rich in nitrate (5 g/L) and chloride (50 g/L), was treated by an effective and novel biological denitrification system tolerating metals at ppm level, to comply with zero nitrate and residual metals discharge guidelines. The overall process requires low reagents and energy input and has zero discharge for liquid effluents. The scheme is appropriate to be applied at local small to medium industrial units, complying with decentralized circular economy principles for metal recovery from electronic waste.

Equilibrium isotherm and kinetic study of biosorption of cadmium from synthetic water using wastes leaves of Averrhoa carambola

Globally, the discharge of heavy metals into the water bodies is a matter of serious concern. Heavy metals like cadmium are considered as toxic even at very low concentration. Several conventional methods are available to remove heavy metals from the wastewater. They bear high costs, generate high sludge, and consume high energy. Biosorbents provides many beneficial properties due to their good adsorption capacity for heavy metals. The present work focuses on the potential of waste leaves of Averrhoa carambola (WACLP) as an adsorbent for its ability to remove Cd (II) ions from synthetic water by batch experimental process. The adsorbent was characterized by using elemental analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray or EDAX and Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM). The batch experiment was carried out considering various parameters such as pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and dose of the adsorbent. The fitting of the experimental data was done by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isothermal models. The study on isothermal models revealed that the experimental parameters were best fitted to the Langmuir isothermal model with R2 value of 0. 976.The Kinetic studies showed pseudo second order depicting chemisorption. The results showed that Averrhoa carambola is a good adsorbent for cadmium and hence it can widen the scope and prospects for future studies on heavy metal removal from the aqueous solution.

Chemical fractionations and mobilization potentials for some trace metals in reef sediments and corals of Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf

The bioavailability of trace metals in coral skeletons and sediment samples from Larak and Qeshm Islands in the Persian Gulf was investigated using the sequential extraction technique (SET), bioaccumulation measurement and risk assessment indices. The fractionation results and risk assessment indices indicated that Pb at the Qeshm Station and Cd and Zn at both Stations could have adverse biological effects due to high bioavailability. The bioaccumulation rate of metals in different reef species and at different Stations was not significant. The studied coral reefs showed a high tendency for Pb adsorption, so they could be an efficient bioindicator of Pb contamination. Statistical analysis showed that Pb and Zn were mainly from anthropogenic contamination sources, while the other metals were primarily of natural origin. The results indicated that further studies are needed to make a realistic assessment of the discharge of trace metals to the Persian Gulf.

Automatic Design of Overflow System for Preventing Gas Defects by Considering the Direction of Molten Metal Flow

In die casting, gas defects occur if the molten metal entrains the gas inside the shot sleeve and mold and remains inside the product after filling. Therefore, an exhaust system such as an exhaust runner or overflow is generally designed at the die casting mold to discharge the gas-entrained molten metal outside the mold completely. In addition, an overflow has a broader designable area than an exhaust runner has and can discharge the gas-entrained molten metal, which an exhaust runner cannot. Therefore, designing the overflows at appropriate positions and volumes in die casting is essential. In recent years, research regarding the design of the overflow positions has been conducted by combining optimization theory and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). However, optimizing the overflow positions only can cause gas defects in the product and the unnecessary discharge of molten metal due to the overflow volume excess. Moreover, applying those methods is difficult because the analysis to verify the exhaust system includes the entire mold as the analysis domain, which increases calculation time. In this research, we propose the automatic overflow design system to discharge the gas-entrained molten metal inside the product completely by estimating the direction of molten metal flow and evaluating the efficiency of overflow design positions. Finally, we verified the effectiveness of the proposed system by actual die casting experiments using the proposed overflow shape.

A Study of the Suitability of Microbial Cells for the Biosorption and Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metal Removal

Heavy metal contamination in the natural environment can occur as long-term site pollution or as surges of pollutants from wastewater discharge. It is well recognized that heavy metal discharge from the metal processing industries has a negative impact on the environment. Conventional methods of heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions are not cost-effective and produce large amounts of harmful chemical sludge. A novel and alternative approach to removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions involve the biosorption of these contaminants by non-living, metabolically inert biomass that is either derived from microorganisms or plants. One of the key elements of environmental and bioresource technologies today is biosorption. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, wide availability, quick kinetics of adsorption and desorption, and low cost, microorganisms—more specifically, bacteria, algae, yeasts, and fungi—have attracted increasing attention as biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals. Analyzing the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions utilizing diverse biological components, such as fungi, algae, yeast, and bacterial biomass, is the goal of the current study. This article discusses the advantages of heavy metal removal from waste streams, gives a brief overview of the technology’s potential for biosorption and bioaccumulation, and emphasizes the undelaying features of biosorption as well as operational factors like pH, the dose required to be given, the initial concentration, temperature, the efficiency of the treatment, and its economic significance.

Experimental study on supercritical water oxidation of oily sludge with auxiliary fuels

Oily sludge, a natural by-product of the petroleum industry, is a hazardous waste that is challenging to dispose of. In this paper, degradation of pollutants and heavy metal migration in supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) were studied, illuminating the influence and behavior mechanisms of auxiliary fuels. First, it was determined how reaction parameters affected C and N degradation as well as products for oily sludge SCWO with methanol. With addition of 800 mmol/L methanol, the removal efficiencies of TOC and TN at 550 °C were 97.9% and 67.0%, respectively. Organic materials could not completely decompose due to long-chain alkanes. The evaluation of auxiliary fuel type and injection technique revealed excellent enhanced degradation effect of ethylene glycol and improvement result of two-stage injection. Finally, the distribution of heavy metals before and after SCWO reaction was investigated. Heavy metals were stabilized, and the aqueous product and solid residual both met heavy metal discharge criteria.

Characterizing the removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+ from an acidic smelting wastewater using electrocatalytic internal Fe0/C micro-electrolysis

The discharge of acid non-ferrous metal smelting wastewater has received unprecedented attention with increasing threat to ecosystems and human health. A combined process of electrocatalytic internal Fe0/C micro-electrolysis (ECIME) fluidized bed was developed at lab scale (2.0L) to investigate the co-removal performance, optimization conditions and reaction characteristics differences of Pb2+ and Zn2+ from acid smelting wastewater. The results of cyclic voltammogram (CV) and XPS reveal that Pb2+ and Zn2+ can be electrodeposited on the carbon microelectrodes surface in ECIME system, and the positive shift degree of the reductive peak potentials under cathodic polarized is positively correlated with the voltage intensity. Metal ions reaction flow direction of ECIME system and SEM, EDS, XPS characterizations indicated that the removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+ were mainly attribute to electroreduction deposition and in-situ iron polymer hydroxyl flocculation, and including four reaction processes of electroreduction on surface of external electrode, iron-carbon particles microelectrode, self-flocculation and secondary flocculation. But the removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+ show different dominant reaction path, Pb2+ removal mainly depended on the electroreduction deposition (64.11%), whereas Zn2+ dominated by iron-based flocculation (62.93%). Response surface optimization based on the average efficiency indicated that the co-removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+ mainly depended on polarization voltage, reaction time, initial pH and electrolyte concentration with optimal conditions of 11.0 V, 58.65 min, 5.0, and 0.08 mol/L, and its optimal average removal efficiency reached 98.52% (initial concentration 100 mg/L), and the residual concentrations were 0.081 mg/L and 1.890 mg/L, respectively. These findings provide insights and theoretical for developing electrochemical platform to realize heavy metal wastewater zero discharge.