OXIDATION OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC MATTER IN INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER BY ELECTROCHEMICAL TREATMENTS

The objective of this research was to implement an electrochemical system by electrocoagulation, using iron electrodes and direct anodic oxidation (DAO), using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes from an industrial wastewater treatment plant; this local plant receives the discharge of 144 companies from Toluca-Lerma, Maxico. The results of these treatments, showed a 99% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 99% color and 97% turbidity, in a period of time of 2 hours. In the coupled technique, electrocoagulation quickly coagulated and removed the colloidal and suspended particles, as well as many charged species, and DAO was very effective in breaking down persistent organic matter. The sludge generated in the system was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. It is concluded electrochemical methods are applicable and efficient in the degradation of compounds, which are not readily biodegradable.