A review of the electrocoagulation process for wastewater treatment: Potentials and challenges

Electrocoagulation (EC) is a proven electrochemical method used to purify various kinds of polluted water. It has been extensively studied across diverse types of wastewater because of its adaptability, ease of use, affordability, and environmentally friendly characteristics. This method has successfully removed organic and inorganic pollutants with minimal or almost zero production of waste by-products. The essential operational factors and the basic link between EC and traditional chemical coagulation have been scrutinized, as they primarily dictate the mechanism of pollutant elimination in the process. Therefore, EC requires additional research to optimize its process parameters and to develop models for its application at an industrial scale. This article delves into aspects such as the theoretical framework, possible uses, existing hurdles, recent advancements, and financial implications related to this technology. In addition, this article assesses the currently developing hybrid technologies that combine EC with integrated separation methods, along with their constraints, for enhancing wastewater treatment systems for purer effluents and water recovery and recycling. This article also strives to underscore the primary accomplishments in the field and delineates the significant drawbacks, offering suggestions for potential research avenues that could augment the technology and expand its scope of applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Electrocoagulation ، Hybrid system ، Reuse ، Wastewater treatment ، Water reclamation