Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

Optimization of electrocoagulation process for individual and simultaneous removal of cadmium and copper from simulated wastewater

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hussein H. Alaydamee 1
Abdalrazzaq Abdzaid Alkaabi 1
Dhuha J. Hussein 1
Ali H. Abbar 2

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, 58002, Iraq

2 Department of Biochemical Engineering, Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 10071, Iraq

10.30772/qjes.2024.146203.1126
Abstract
This study delves into electrocoagulation for removing copper and cadmium from synthetic water, exploring both individual and binary removal. Employing the Box‒Behnken design method, the research fine-tuned process operating factors including current density (10 to 50 mA/cm2), starting pH (3 to 7), and metal ion concentration (100 to 300 ppm). Optimal conditions for single-element systems yielded 99.02% copper removal (pH value of 5.63, current density value of 50 Am-2, copper concentration 100 ppm) and 98.45% cadmium removal (pH 6.15, current density 50 A/m2, cadmium concentration 124 ppm). Findings underscored the substantial current density impact on removal efficiency, surpassing the effect of pH and metal ion concentration. Notably, the current played a more pivotal role in cadmium removal than in copper removal. A robust R2 analysis of variance (98.85% for Cu and 99.50% for Cd) confirmed the satisfactory agreement between the second-order regression model and the experimental data, affirming the optimization validity of the electrocoagulation process. In binary systems, copper presence hindered cadmium removal, reducing efficiency from 63.63% to 50.91%. Conversely, the inhibitory effect on copper removal was comparatively lower due to copper's stronger selectivity towards Al(OH)3.

Keywords

Copper
Cadmium
Electrocoagulation
Response surface methodology
Wastewater
Crossmark
  • A. Shamkhia, H. and A. D. Z. Albdiria, Simultaneous Extraction of Lead, Copper, and Cadmium from Aqueous Solution using Emulsion Liquid Membrane Technique. Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences, 2020. https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.v13i3.705
  • Fei, Y. and Y.H. Hu, Recent progress in removal of heavy metals from wastewater: A comprehensive review. Chemosphere, 2023. 335: p. 139077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139077
  • Sivaperumal, P., T. Sankar, and P. Viswanathannair, Heavy metal concentrations in fish, shellfish and fish products from internal markets of India vis-a-vis international standards. Food Chemistry, 2007. 102(3): p. 612-620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.05.041
  • Ahmed, S., S. Chughtai, and M.A. Keane, The removal of cadmium and lead from aqueous solution by ion exchange with NaY zeolite. Separation and Purification Technology, 1998. 13(1): p. 57-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1383-5866(97)00063-4
  • Park, H.J., et al., Removal of heavy metals using waste eggshell. J Environ Sci (China), 2007. 19(12): p. 1436-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1001-0742(07)60234-4
  • Fu, F. and Q. Wang, Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters: a review. J Environ Manage, 2011. 92(3): p. 407-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.11.011
  • Mitra, S., et al., Removal of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) by laterite soil from synthetic waste water: single and bi-component adsorption approach. Desalination and Water Treatment, 2015. 57(39): p. 18406-18416. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2015.1088806
  • Thakur, L.S. and P. Mondal, Simultaneous arsenic and fluoride removal from synthetic and real groundwater by electrocoagulation process: Parametric and cost evaluation. J Environ Manage, 2017. 190: p. 102-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.12.053
  • Ubeed, A., et al., Expulsion of Cadmium from a Simulated Wastewater using Ckd as Adsorbent: Optimization with Isotherm Study. Periodicals of Engineering and Natural Sciences (PEN), 2021. 9: p. 998–1015. https://doi.org/10.21533/pen.v9i2.2022
  • Kobya, M., et al., Treatment of cadmium and nickel electroplating rinse water by electrocoagulation. Environ Technol, 2010. 31(13): p. 1471-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593331003713693
  • Bharti, M., P.P. Das, and M.K. Purkait, A review on the treatment of water and wastewater by electrocoagulation process: Advances and emerging applications. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2023. 11(6): p. 111558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2023.111558
  • Shah, A.A., S. Walia, and H. Kazemian, Advancements in combined electrocoagulation processes for sustainable wastewater treatment: A comprehensive review of mechanisms, performance, and emerging applications. Water Res, 2024. 252: p. 121248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121248
  • Alaa Hawass, Z. and F. Yasir AlJaberi, Effect of mono and bipolar connection modes on the electrocoagulation removal efficiency of multi-heavy metals from simulated wastewater. Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences, 2022. 15(1): p. 48-54. https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.v15i1.813
  • Ghanim Najeeb, R. and A.H. Abbar, Treatment of Al-Dewaniya hospital wastewater by electrocoagulation method using SS/Fe electrodes. Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences, 2021. https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.v14i2.768
  • Hawaas, Z.A., et al., Removal of heavy metals using electrocoagulation technology: A mini-review. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2023. 2787(1): p. 040005. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0149064
  • Ilhan, F., et al., Optimization and effect of pH on treatability of metal plating wastewater by electrocoagulation process: a pilot study. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2023. 20(7): p. 7671-7688. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-023-04972-z
  • Shahedi, A., et al., An overview of the application of electrocoagulation for mine wastewater treatment. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2023. 195(4): p. 522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11044-9
  • Hamid Khashan, M. and A.K. Mohammad, Comparative study for Pb2+ adsorption from simulated wastewater of battery manufacture on activated carbon prepared from rice husk with different activation agents. Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences, 2022. 15(3): p. 147-155. https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.v15i3.827
  • Thakur, L. and P. Mondal, Techno-economic evaluation of simultaneous arsenic and fluoride removal from synthetic groundwater by electrocoagulation process: optimization through response surface methodology. 2016. https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.3443141.V1
  • Shankar, R., et al., Sulphide Removal from Water Through Electrocoagulation: Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Analysis. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series A, 2021. 102(2): p. 603-621. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40030-021-00536-x
  • Alkurdi, S.S. and A.H. Abbar, Removal of COD from Petroleum refinery Wastewater by Electro-Coagulation Process Using SS/Al electrodes. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2020. 870(1): p. 012052. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/870/1/012052
  • Shu, J., et al., Simultaneous removal of ammonia and manganese from electrolytic metal manganese residue leachate using phosphate salt. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2016. 135: p. 468-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.06.141
  • Kobya, M., E. Gengec, and E. Demirbas, Operating parameters and costs assessments of a real dyehouse wastewater effluent treated by a continuous electrocoagulation process. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 2016. 101: p. 87-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2015.11.012
  • Elabbas, S., et al., Treatment of highly concentrated tannery wastewater using electrocoagulation: Influence of the quality of aluminium used for the electrode. J Hazard Mater, 2016. 319: p. 69-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.12.067
  • Al-Shannag, M., et al., Enhancement of COD-Nutrients Removals and Filterability of Secondary Clarifier Municipal Wastewater Influent Using Electrocoagulation Technique. Separation Science and Technology, 2013. 48(4): p. 673-680. https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2012.707729
  • Chen, X., G. Chen, and P. Yue, Separation of Pollutants from Restaurant Wastewater by Electrocoagulation. Separation and Purification Technology, 2007. 19: p. 65-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1383-5866(99)00072-6
  • Basiriparsa, J., T. Panahb, and F. Nabizadeh Chianeh, Removal of Ciprofloxacin from aqueous solution by a continuous flow electro-coagulation process. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-015-0196-6
  • Faisal, G., T. Mohammed, and A. Abbar, Treatment of Al-Muthanna Petroleum Refinery Wastewater by Electrocoagulation Using a Tubular batch Electrochemical Reactor. Vol. 779. 2021  https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/779/1/012094
  • Song, H., H. Chung, and K. Nam, Response surface modeling with Box-Behnken design for strontium removal from soil by calcium-based solution. Environ Pollut, 2021. 274: p. 116577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116577
  • Escobar, C., C. Soto-Salazar, and M. Toral, Optimization of the Electrocoagulation Process for the Removal of Copper, Lead and Cadmium in Natural Waters and Simulated Wastewater. Journal of environmental management, 2007. 81: p. 384-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.11.012
  • Vasudevan, S., J. Lakshmi, and G. Sozhan, Effects of alternating and direct current in electrocoagulation process on the removal of cadmium from water. J Hazard Mater, 2011. 192(1): p. 26-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.04.081
  • Assadi, A., et al., Optimization of lead removal by electrocoagulation from aqueous solution using response surface methodology. Desalination and Water Treatment, 2015. 57(20): p. 9375-9382. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2015.1029529
  • Tezcan Un, U. and S.n. Öcal, Removal of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cu, Ni) by Electrocoagulation. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 2015. 6: p. 425-429. https://doi.org/10.7763/IJESD.2015.V6.630
  • Xu, L., et al., Simultaneous removal of cadmium, zinc and manganese using electrocoagulation: Influence of operating parameters and electrolyte nature. J Environ Manage, 2017. 204(Pt 1): p. 394-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.09.020
  • Varma, A.K., et al., Simultaneous removal of lead and copper from synthetic water by electrocoagulation and techno-economic evaluation: optimization through response surface methodology. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 2021. 13(1): p. 61-68. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijest.v13i1.9S
  • Singh Thakur, L., et al., Simultaneous removal of lead, chromium and cadmium from synthetic water by electrocoagulation: Optimization through response surface methodology. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2023. 72: p. 2697-2704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.031
  • Aguilar-Ascon, E., L. Marrufo-Saldana, and W. Neyra-Ascon, Enhanced chromium removal from tannery wastewater through electrocoagulation with iron electrodes: Leveraging the Box-Behnken design for optimization. Heliyon, 2024. 10(3): p. e24647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24647
  • Chibani, A., et al., Box-Behnken design optimization of sulfate reduction from natural water by electrocoagulation process. Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements, 2023. 198(2): p. 164-171. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426507.2022.2134372
  • Elhadeuf, K., et al., Optimization of textile wastewater treatment by electrocoagulation-microfiltration using recycled electrodes and Box-Behnken design. Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis, 2023. 136(2): p. 981-1003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11144-023-02395-y
  • Pacheco, H.G.J., et al., Box-Behnken Response Surface Design for Modeling and Optimization of Electrocoagulation for Treating Real Textile wastewater. International Journal of Environmental Research, 2022. 16(4): p. 43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-022-00419-4
  • Ferreira, S.L., et al., Box-Behnken design: an alternative for the optimization of analytical methods. Anal Chim Acta, 2007. 597(2): p. 179-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2007.07.011
  • N. Kassob, A. and A. H. Abbar, Treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater by adsorption using activated carbon fixed bed column with batch recirculation mode. Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences, 2022. https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.v15i2.820
  • Ahmadi, E., et al., Synergistic effects of α-Fe2O3-TiO2 and Na2S2O8 on the performance of a non-thermal plasma reactor as a novel catalytic oxidation process for dimethyl phthalate degradation. Separation and Purification Technology, 2020. 250: p. 117185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117185
  • Vik, E.A., et al., Electrocoagulation of potable water. Water Research, 1984. 18(11): p. 1355-1360. https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(84)90003-4
  • Vasudevan, S., J. Lakshmi, and G. Sozhan, Studies on the Removal of Iron from Drinking Water by Electrocoagulation – A Clean Process. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water, 2009. 37(1): p. 45-51. https://doi.org/10.1002/clen.200800175
  • Escobar, C., C. Soto-Salazar, and M.I. Toral, Optimization of the electrocoagulation process for the removal of copper, lead and cadmium in natural waters and simulated wastewater. J Environ Manage, 2006. 81(4): p. 384-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.11.012
  • Hanay, O. and H. Hasar, Effect of anions on removing Cu2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ in electrocoagulation process using aluminum electrodes. J Hazard Mater, 2011. 189(1-2): p. 572-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.02.073
  • Bezerra, M.A., et al., Response surface methodology (RSM) as a tool for optimization in analytical chemistry. Talanta, 2008. 76(5): p. 965-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2008.05.019
  • Sdiri, A. and T. Higashi, Simultaneous removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution by natural limestones. Applied Water Science, 2014. 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-012-0054-1
  • Nabih, E., et al., Removal of Cadmium, Copper, and Lead From Water Using Bio-Sorbent From Treated Olive Mill Solid Residue. Environmental Health Insights, 2021. 15: p. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302211053176
  • Mohan, D., C.U. Pittman, Jr., and P.H. Steele, Single, binary and multi-component adsorption of copper and cadmium from aqueous solutions on Kraft lignin--a biosorbent. J Colloid Interface Sci, 2006. 297(2): p. 489-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2005.11.023
  • Xue, Y., Z. Hu, and Y. Niu, Single and coadsorption of copper, cadmium, lead and zinc onto basic oxygen furnace slag. Desalination and Water Treatment, 2020. 179: p. 242-251. https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2020.24868
Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 17, Issue 4
Autumn 2024
Pages 363-370

  • Receive Date 23 February 2024
  • Revise Date 20 April 2024
  • Accept Date 20 June 2024

Submit Manuscript

Guide for Authors

Article Processing Charges (APC)

Reviewers

Call for Reviewers

Contact Us