Brackish peat water desalination treatment using a combination of continuous electrocoagulation and filtration technique

Abstract

Coastal regions possess a distinct water quality known as brackish peat water, resulting from a blend of peat and seawater. Unfortunately, this water type cannot serve as a freshwater source without treatment. Hence, it's crucial to explore effective and cost-efficient treatment methods. This study focuses on evaluating the efficacy of continuous electrocoagulation and filtration techniques in converting brackish peat water, characterized by peat soil, into freshwater. Desalination via electrocoagulation supports key elements of the blue economy, including water availability, economic growth, and community resilience. Samples were collected from the Kakap river mouth. Six parameters were examined before and after treatment: salinity, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn). Salinity, pH, temperature, and TDS were measured using a calibrated multi-functional water quality tester. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) levels were assessed according to SNI 6980.84:2019 standards, conducted at the laboratory of the Institute of Industrial Standardization and Services (Baristand) in Pontianak. The results show that the electrocoagulation and filtration can reduce salinity and TDS ranging from ~40 to ~83%, where the best outcome for desalinating brackish peat water through EC and filtration occurs when the EC process runs for 4 hours, with a filtration detention time of 30 minutes. Additionally, statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed the p-value is smaller than 0.05, indicating a significant effect of salinity reduction. Morover, the electrocoagulation and filtration substantially lower iron levels, while manganese concentration initially increases after 1 hour of EC. However, during 2 and 3 hours of EC, manganese levels decrease to meet acceptable standards. For effective salinity reduction in brackish peat water, it is essential to integrate electrocoagulation with filtration process. Power consumption for the electrocoagulation ranges from 0.0629 to 0.28 kWh/m3