Decolorization of Acid Brown and Reactive Blue Dyes by Anodic Oxidation in a Batch Recycle Electrochemical Reactor

Decolorization and COD measurements of synthetic wastewater containing acid brown and reactive blue dyes were studied using a batch recycle annular electrochemical reactor. Graphite rod was used as anode while stainless steel screen was used as cathode. The effect of current density, sodium chloride concentration, initial dye concentration, pH and solution flow rate on color removal and COD reduction was evaluated. The results indicate that 100% color removal and 89 % in COD reduction can be achieved under suitable conditions. Energy consumption ranged from 1.2 to 10.4 kWh/kg COD removed depending on the operating conditions. These results recommend considering the present electrochemical oxidation technique to treat wastewater containing dyes.