Remediation of COD and color from textile wastewater using dual stage electrocoagulation process

Abstract

The study has been done to investigate the effects of the current density on COD removal, color removal and electrode consumption on simulated textile wastewater using malachite green dye in the dual stage electrocoagulation process with settler. The results indicated that double stage electrocoagulation with settler is efficient at current density 165 A/m2 and able to attain 92.60% COD removal and over 93.11% color removal. The most suitable current density for process is 135 A/m2 in term of COD and color removal efficiency giving removal of 90.93 and 92.18%, respectively. analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals that COD removal consistently changes for different COD concentrations among first and second stage electrocoagulation as well as settler. However, Tukey’s test shows significant (P < 0.001) removal of COD. In case of color, ANOVA reveals significantly different color concentration among first and second stage electrocoagulation as well as settler. Moreover, Tukey’s test also shows significant (P < 0.001) removal of color. In case of electrode consumption, t test revealed significant electrode consumption. Correlating the removal of COD concentration (mg/L) and electrode weight loss (mg) by Pearson correlation analysis for 1st reactor and 2nd reactor, it revealed a significant and positive correlation between COD removal and electrode weight loss (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) indicating that as removal in COD concentration increases, electrode weight loss increases.