Removal of Water Turbidity by the Electrocoagulation Method

Background: Electrocoagulation is a technique involving the electrolytic addition of coagulating metal ions directly from sacrificial electrodes. These ions coagulate with turbidity agents in the water, in a similar manner to the addition of coagulating chemicals such as alum and ferric chloride, and allow the easier removal of the pollutants. Purpose of this study was to conduct experimental investigation of water turbidity removal using the electrocoagulation method. Methods: Removal of turbidity from raw water in batch system was investigated by different voltage (10, 15, 20, 25, 30V), electrodes (Al, Fe and St) and electrolyzes time (0 to 40 min.), electrodes distance 2 cm and pH=7.5. Results: The experimental results showed that the removal efficiency depends on the electrolyze time, types of electrodes and the applied current. From the experiments carried out at 20V, it was found that in 20 minutes the removal efficiency for Al, Fe and St electrodes was 93, 91 and 51 percent respectively. Based on turbidity removal efficiency, Al is prior to Fe and St as sacrificial electrode material. Conclusion: In an era when environmental phenomena attract a great attention, electrocoagulation methods can be said to be a promising cleaning and purifying method for water treatment.