An alternative method for the removal of surfactants from water: Electrochemical coagulation

Feasibility of the removal of surfactants from model solution and the polluted water sample by electrochemical coagulation utilizing Fe2+ ions from a soluble anode as an alternative method was investigated in this study. As a result of the studies the removal of surfactant having a concentration of 10 mg L-1 has been achieved with an efficiency of 100%. Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of applied current density, initial concentration, supporting electrolyte concentration, coagulant dosage and pH on the removal efficiency. Energy consumption was calculated for each experiment and optimum conditions have been determined. Addition of ferrous sulphate and hydrogen peroxide was seen to enhance the efficiency of the process. The polarity of the reactor played an important role in the treatment of surfactants. Electrochemical coagulation of the water sample from a local stream has also been conducted in high efficiencies. The results suggest that electrochemical coagulation is a promising method for the treatment of water polluted by detergents. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.