Study of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Reactive Textile Dyes Using Platinum Electrode

Textile industries are widespread in developing countries. Among the various processes in the textile industry, the dyeing process uses large volumes of water for dyeing, fixing and washing. Textile industry wastewater is characterized by intensive color and high chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations that discarding of these toxic wastewaters to the environment will cause a major problem. In this study electrochemical oxidation of reactive textile dyes: Reactive Blue 52, Reactive Black 5, Reactive Green 15, and Reactive Yellow 125, using platinum anode was examined. Electrolysis is carried out in electrochemical cell containing membrane which is standard membrane in industry. Membrane separated anodic and cathodic area. Supporting electrolyte was 0.1M sodium sulfate which is also present in real textile effluents. Applied voltage of 6, 12 and 24V, and influence of membrane on electrolysis were examined on model dye (Reactive Blue 52). Highest degradation degree for model dye was achieved at 12V, so electrolysis of other dyes was done on this voltage. COD value of all dyes dropped after 60 minutes of electrolysis below a measurable level (<30mg/L O-2), except Reactive Black 5 whose COD reduction was 57.95% with membrane and 35.28% without membrane applied. Complete decolorization was achieved after 10 to 60 minutes for all dyes. Degradation products of model dye Reactive Blue 52 were monitored with HPLC, and influence of pH on decolorization was also examined on model dye.