Using of Electrodialysis Technology to Desalinate Shatt Al-Arab Water

A Six-chamber lab-scale electrodialysis (ED) stack was made using six plexi-glass sections. The stack contained two compartments pairs (two diluate solution compartments and two concentrate solution compartments). Two graphite sheets were used as anode and cathode electrodes. Anion exchange membranes (AEM) and cation exchange membranes (CEM) were alternatively placed between the cathode and the anode. A constant DC voltage of 10 Volt was applied between the anode and the cathode. The results of this study confirmed the conceptual validity of using ED technology to desalinate brackish with salinity ranged from 5000 mg/l to 15000 mg/l such as Shutt Al-Arab water to produce drinking water satisfies Iraqi drinking water quality standard. The performance of the ED system during about 50hr of cyclic operation was stable and reproducible that could withstand the effect of possible fouling and scaling on the surface of the ion exchange membranes. So that water desalination using ED system might be less problematic and less expensive than RO system. However, more studies concerning ED stack and system configurations suitable for Iraqi conditions are needed.