Ozone-enhanced electroflocculation in municipal wastewater treatment

The use of electrochemical principles for the treatment of wastewaters has received increased attention in recent years. This paper examines one such technology termed the Electrofloc(PLUS) wastewater treatment system developed by Applied Oxidation Technologies Inc. of Ladysmith, British Columbia. The study investigated the ability of the system to treat municipal wastewater. The results of an extensive experimental program showed that the technology was effective in the reduction of certain water quality parameters, including total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP), and the unit was capable of meeting regulatory guidelines for these parameters. The removals of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 5-d biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) were inadequate, as the test unit was unable to treat the wastewater adequately to meet regulatory guidelines. Other points were also examined, including the Electrofloc(PLUS) treatment systems energy requirements. The results showed energy consumption to be quite high relative to competing technologies.