Decolorization of synthetic effluent containing Crystal Violet using Electrocoagulation process containing steel wool-platinum electrodes

Abstract

Introduction The electrocoagulation process is one of the most effective treatment methods among the oxidation processes due to its unique properties such as simple design and extensive application for treating industrial wastewater. To promote this process, different ways have been proposed. In this study, the electrocoagulation process was incremented by the placement of steel wool and platinum electrodes and its potential were evaluated by decolorization of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous solution. Materials and Methods The colored solution was prepared from CV powder by its dissolution in distilled water. The spectrophotometric method (600 nm) was used to determine the color content. Electrocoagulation experiments were conducted in a 1000 mL backer and at a batch method. To evaluate the kinetic studies, first and second-order models were used. Toxicity tests were also performed using coliform bacteria to ensure the reduction of crystal violet toxicity. Results The results showed that the process could remove the colored solution with a high percentage rate of about 99.63% under optimal conditions (pH 9, time of 60 minutes, applied current 0.4 amperes and color concentration about 200 mg/L). The microbial toxicity test also indicated that the treated wastewater in this method can be reused or discharged in the environment. Conclusion Based on the results, the electrocoagulation with steel wool-platinum electrode arrangement can be effectively used in the treatment of color containing industrial wastewater.

Keywords

• crystal violet
• electrocoagulation
• steel wool-platinum electrodes
• toxicity test