Novel method for electrocoagulation removal of lead from simulated wastewater by using concentric tubes electrodes reactor

Abstract

Heavy metals pollution has become the most effective environmental problem in recent years as a result of releasing hazard materials into the environment. Various kinds of techniques are used for the treatment of these toxic materials such as electrocoagulation process. Electrocoagulation process is an attractive method for the treatment of wastewater because it is considered as rapid and well-controlled process that requires fewer chemicals, provides good reduction and yields and produces less sludge. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of electrodes configuration that may affect the efficiency of heavy metal removal from wastewater during a period of time under constant values of other parameters such as the initial concentration of lead metal, the current, the voltage applied, stirring speed, electrodes metal type, active surface area, the distance between electrodes and pH. It has been found that the best removal efficiency occurs when a cathode electrode is concentric between other two anode electrodes.