Study of the Use of Aluminum (Al) Electrodes in the Electrocoagulation Method for Reducing COD and BOD in Leachate Water

Abstract

Electrocoagulation is an electrochemical method that uses sacrificial electrodes to remove wastewater. The most common electrode material is aluminum, which serves as both the cathode and the anode. The electrodes are connected in bipolar mode and a power source is used to provide alternating current. Various operating parameters that can influence removal efficiency were investigated, including spacing between the electrodes, applied voltage, electrolysis time, initial BOD and COD concentrations. This study examined the efficacy of employing aluminum (Al) electrodes in the electrocoagulation procedure to lower the concentration of chemical and biological oxygen demand in leachate. This research was carried out by varying the voltage (8, 10, and 12 Volts), time (10, 20, and 30 min), and distance between the electrodes (1, 2, and 3 cm). The results showed that the combination of 12 Volt voltage, 30 min, and the greatest COD reduction percentage of 80.8% was obtained with a 2 cm gap between the electrodes, while the BOD reduction reached 82.3%. This research provides important insights into the leachate pollution treatment potential of electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes. The optimal results can be used as a basis for further development of efficient and environmentally friendly leachate treatment.