Agro-industrial Wastewater Treatment by Electrolysis Technology

A modified electrolysis system was devised adopting a novel operation method of a low current and constant voltage, and a renewable copper electrode. The simultaneous removal of organics and nutrients in agro-industrial wastewater was evaluated, the analysis of by-product from electrolysis using copper electrode was also conducted. The total nitrogen decreased rapidly as the electrolysis was processed, and it was mostly performed by the elimination of ammonia nitrogen. The phosphate in water could be also removed by formation of copper compounds on the surface of the anode. Both pH value and alkalinity increased, because the concentration increment of hydroxyl ion by electrolysis of water. The ORP value also decreased during the electrolysis procedure by the generation of hydrogen gas, hydroxyl ion, and electron. The electrical conductivity as well as salinity was decreased through the electrolysis procedure, because of the loss of electrolyte ions in the wastewater through the formation of compounds and its sedimentation. The aeration was conducted for 2hours after the electrolysis procedure for the promotion of additional nitrogen removal, and the nitrogen removal could be successfully achieved. The pH value was controlled successfully to neutral with pH range of 6 similar to 8 by the aeration.