AOP + Electrocoagulation

HOSPITAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT BY COMBINE
FENTONE (AOP) AND ELECTRO COAGULATION PROCESS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Availability of water is becoming an increasing concern in the globalized
world, both in developed and in developing countries. A sustainable use of water
sources could result in the search of additional water sources or even in recycling
wastewater treatment plant effluents. The goal of biological wastewater treatment is a
stepwise oxidation of organic pollutants aiming to achieve complete mineralization.
Numerous wastewater constituents are persistent to biodegradation or they are

only subjected to minor structural changes instead of complete transformation into
carbon dioxide and water. Alternatively, they may be eliminated by applying
advanced biotic treatment processes such as membrane filtration, UV degradation,
ozonation, advanced oxidation processes, one of them being cavitation.
Due to rapid growth of population and industrialization the requirement of

water increases but the natural source of water which is useful for the domestic and
industrial uses is very limited. From the industrial process the large amount of waste
water is coming out treatment of this waste is necessary to protection of environment
and human being from harmful effect.
Necessity of wastewater treatment
1. Protection of the Environment from pollution
2. Protection of Human Health by harmful effect
3. Avoid Shortage of the Water for Domestic as well as Industrial use
4. Save the Earth life
5. Increasing awareness about the environment
Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 1

Treatment option
There are three major treatment option of treatment of process industry
1. Onsite treatment on factory waste water treatment plant-
Onsite treatment method of waste water treatment is requiring waste water

treatment plant. This type of method of treatment is economical and environmentally
physalis. Most of processes industries are prefer this method for waste water
treatment. The quality and quantity of handling is greater in this method and the water
can be reuse for the process which avoids the shortage of process water, protection of
environment from waste and also protection of human health.
2. Discharge to the nearby sewage treatment plant-
In this type of treatment method if process industry which don’t have any own
waste water treatment plant. The need is to find the waste water treatment plant and
Discharge of the waste water in to the plant. This method is less economic. The
quality and quantity of handling is lower than the first method and the water can be
reuse for the process which avoids the shortage of process water, protection of
environment from waste and also protection of human health.
3. The site removal of semisolid and special wastes by waste disposal

contractors-
The quality and quantity of handling is very lower compare with first two methods
and the water can be reuse for the irrigation purpose for protection of environment
from waste and also protection of human health.
Last two options are continuously impacted by increasing costs, while the control
of allowable levels of SS, BOD and COD in discharged wastewaters are also
becoming more stringent. So, the First option is better comparing with other two
options on point of cost and the handling purpose. The quality and quantity of
handling is greater in first method and the water can be reuse for the process which
avoids the shortage of process water, protection of environment from waste and also
protection of human health.

Irreversible damages to the environment due to the wastewater and also

contributes to the reduction of fresh water reserves, creating threats to the next
generation. Reduction of water resources cause many industries which consume fresh
water and exhaust as a wastewater.
According to the water standard wastewater should be treated properly to

reduce or indicate the pollutants and achieve the permissible limit for its reutilization
in the industrial and agriculture process to promote sustainability.
For security of environment there is a need of more cost-effective methods to

purify a wide range of polluted water on-site, and with minimal additives that are
required for sustainable water management. Innovative technology as electrolytic
treatment of wastewater in which a sacrificial metal anode and cathode produce
electrically active coagulants and tiny bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen in water.
Most of challenging tasks faced by scientists and engineers today is to provide

safe water to support healthy human life and environmental safety but human
activities always generate wastewaters which contain various pollutants that create
problems to aquatic life and contaminate water resources. The need of waste
treatment not only for developing countries but also highly developed countries
experiencing a critical need for wastewater cleaning because of an ever-increasing
population, urbanization and climatic changes.
Now day’s research there has been considerable interest in identifying new
technologies that are capable of meeting more stringent treatment standards and
different electrochemical treatments are available for effluent treatment however;
these processes were basically developed for the treatment of either organic impurities
or desalination of waters for human consumption.
Due to the high cost of these electrochemical treatments was a major factor of
concern due to Degeneration. Various technologies for water and wastewater
treatment have been developed in last few decades for the removal of diverse aquatic
pollutants and the electrochemical methods have been developed and used as

alternative options for the remediation of water and wastewaters mainly due to their
advantages, e.g., environmental compatibility, versatility, high energy efficiency. [2]
Major concern with the hospital wastewater is that, it is been discharged into
the sewage network without any primary treatment or there is no any conventional
wastewater treatment facility provided for the treatment of collected wastewater is not
able to meet Wastewater originate from domestic, industrial, commercial, agriculture
activity may create threat to human life.
Waste water which generated from the Municipal and hospital usually
conveyed in combined sewer or sanitary landfill and treated at wastewater treatment
plant. This type of human activity may create heavy load to the wastewater treatment
units.
Waste which generated from the contains solids, toxic pollutants, metal
oxides, hazardous liquid waste from various units, pharmaceuticals, radioactive waste,
bacteria, viruses, blood, and fluid which has high BOD and COD are due to presence
of solids and bacterial in it and think if not treated properly, it may create threat to
human life as well as environment. So, there is necessity to treat wastewater before
discharge in to natural stream.
The followings are the various goals of waste water treatment

1. To control pollution
2. Prevention of infectious, chronic and hazardous diseases
3. Protecting environment
4. Reusing water for gardening and agriculture purpose.
5. Increase the water resources
Presently there are various (processes) conventional methods are available for
the treatment of waste water like, ion exchange, adsorption, coagulation flocculation,
chemical oxidation, reverse osmosis, filtration, ultra-filtration etc. these are expensive
methods. Electro coagulation method is highly accepted for the treatment of water and
wastewater which is used for the treatment of water and wastewater.

The factors due to this the electro coagulation methods becomes popular like
low cost, easy in operation, low sludge production, low operational and maintenance
cost, high efficiency, low chemical consumption, good settling capacity of sludge,
electro coagulation method is used worldwide. [7]
Sources of the hospital waste

1. Drug treatments
2. Surgery
3. Radiology
4. Operation room
5. Laundry
6. Chemical and biological laboratories
7. Medical services
8. Research activities
Hospital wastewater effluents discharge in environment may cause serious threat

to the environment as well as humans and this effluents also contain solids, BOD,
COD, phenols, radioactive isotops, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, blood, body
fluid, sweat, contaminated organs, disinfectant, pharmaceuticals as well as hazardous
chemicals, pathogenic microorganisms and other heavy metals and toxic chemical
compounds such as Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Hg, Ni, Pt, Cyanide, Phenol and this type of
wastewater can adversely affect ecology balance and public health. So, there is need
have effective treatment of the wastewater is must before discharge in to river or
stream.
Growing concern over bio-medical waste management in India, less attention is

being paid towards the discharge of wastewater from the hospital, nursing homes, and
medical laboratories. According to our population hospital is a significant consumer
of water and it generates a considerable amount of wastewater containing various
hazardous materials including, pathogens, pharmaceuticals and its metabolites,
radioactive elements, toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

Waste generated from various sources of pollution in the hospital include

wastewater from medical care, research activities, operation theatre, and kitchen and
laundry activities and if discharged untreated in water bodies can possess health
hazards to human and aquatic life.
1.2 Environmental and Health Risk

1. Waste generated from hospital contains infectious, pathogens, biodegradable and
radioactive contaminants that cause pollution and health related problems.
2. It also contains harmful pollutant, such as: pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria,
viruses), residual of medicine and laboratory chemicals (antibiotics, phenol and
chloroform) and biodegradable organic material (protein, fat, carbohydrate).
3. Contaminants can easily reach the water resources causing environmental aquatic
pollution and human health problems.
4. It proves that the waste generated from dangerous to the ecological balance and
public health.
5. Hazardous from hospital waste like pathological, radioactive, chemical, infectious
and pharmaceutical wastes, if left untreated, lead to outbreaks of communicable
diseases, diarrhea epidemic, water contamination and radioactive pollution. . . . . . [3].
Hospital waste as toxicity to sewer networks

1. Main environmental problems concerning hospital waste effluents are its
discharge into the urban sewer network without any preliminary treatment.
2. Need for hospitals treatments use a variety of chemical substances such as
pharmaceuticals, radionuclide, solvents and disinfectants for medical purposes
as diagnostics, disinfection and research.
3. After treatment or application some of these substances and excreted non-
metabolized drugs by the patients enter into the hospital waste streams which
are finally conducted into the municipal sewer network without treatment.
4. Expired medicines and unused medications sometimes are also disposed into
the hospital drains.
5. So, the hospitals may represent an incontestable release source of many toxic
substances in the aquatic environment destroying the diversity of the system.

6. The presence of chlorinated molecules in high concentrations and presence of

heavy metals like mercury and silver has very toxic in nature.
7. Hospital waste has Significant concentrations of COD: 1900 mg/L, BOD: 700
mg/L are measured in the hospital effluent.
8. As we can compare to urban domestic effluent, hospital waste effluent is more
polluted and toxic.
According to above all statements hospital effluent has to be treated before

discharge in to the receiving water body to reduce the effects on human health and
environment as also the population equivalent (PEQ).
1.3 Coagulation
In wastewater treatment process coagulation is one of the important Physico-

chemical operations. Coagulation process used to cause the destabilization and
subsequent aggregation of smaller particles into larger complexes. In coagulation
process water contaminants such as ions (heavy metals) and colloids (organic and
inorganic) are primarily held in solution by electrical charges.
Destabilization of colloidal systems by the addition of ions of the charge

opposite to that of the colloid. After destabilization colloids can then aggregate and
subsequently be separated from the wastewater.
Coagulation can be achieved by both the chemical or electrical means.
Presently used processes like coagulation flocculation’s, ion exchange,

absorption, chemical oxidation, reverse osmosis, filtration, ultra-filtration, adsorption,
and heat exchange, chemical precipitations are various methods used for the treatment
of wastewater. Coagulation treatment process for waste treatment is highly adopted
for the low operation and maintenance cost, high efficiency, lower sludge production,
low chemical consumption, good settling capacity of sludge less treatment time as
compared to other treatment and highly acceptable all over the world.

After treatment hospital wastewater can be used for agriculture or gardening

purpose after maintaining of parameters as per waste water standards and can also is
used for flush in toilets, washing and cleaning floors. Coagulation sludge generated
after the treatment process can be used as a construction material. In this process in
which electrical current is used for the treatment of wastewater without adding any
coagulant.
After circulation electric current in the reactor electro coagulation occurs. In

this process metal ions from anode losses electrons and gets combined with the ions
present in wastewater and the reaction between ions takes place, results in the
formation of flocs.
Particles after treatment some settles at the bottom while some moves upward
due to formation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles at cathode and hydrogen gas helps
in the upward movement of water containing pollutants. Process between ions and the
wastewater depends on the conductivity of the solution which imparts the efficiency
of the treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. [13]
1.3.1 Types of coagulation process

1. Chemical coagulation
2. Electrical coagulation
Chemical coagulation has been used for decades to destabilize suspensions and
to effect precipitation of soluble species and other pollutants from aqueous streams.
Material likes Alum, lime and polymers are some of the chemical coagulants used.
Chemical coagulation process tends to generate large volumes of sludge with high
bound water content which can be difficult to separate and dewater. The processes
also tend to increase the total dissolved solids content of the effluent, making it
unacceptable for reuse within industrial applications.

Chemical coagulation is also becoming increasingly less acceptable and disposal

cost of the large volumes of sludge (generally of fairly high hazardous waste
category), the cost of the chemicals required to achieve coagulation and the
environmental issues associated with the process are critical problems in many
industries.
Electro coagulation- the passing of the electrical current through water has
proven very effective in the removal of contaminants from water. These systems have
been in existence for many years using a variety of anode and cathode geometries,
such as plates, balls, fluidized bed spheres, wire mesh, rods, and tubes.
Electro coagulation mechanism resembles the chemical coagulation - the cationic

species being responsible for the neutralization of surface charges – in many ways it is
very different. This process is a process of destabilizing suspended, emulsified or
dissolved contaminants in an aqueous medium by introducing electrical current into
the medium.
Treatment process of electro coagulation technology is a of applying electrical

current to treat and flocculate contaminants without having to add coagulations.
Studied by Shammas stated that coagulation occurs with the current being applied,
capable of removing small particles since direct current applied, setting them into
motion. This process could reduce residue for waste production.
This process of waste water treatment consists of pairs of metal sheets called
electrodes, that are arranged in pairs of two—anodes and cathodes. Principles of
electrochemistry, the cathode is oxidized (loses electrons), while the water is reduced
(gains electrons), thereby making the wastewater better treated.
Cathode electrode makes contact with the wastewater; the metal is emitted
into the apparatus and electro coagulation is an electrochemical technique that
combines with conventional chemical coagulation for treatment of wastewater.

1.3.2 Comparison between chemical coagulation and electro

coagulation
Chemical Coagulation process Elect coagulation process
1. Chemical coagulation has been 1. Electro coagulation- the passing

used for decades to destabilize of the electrical current through
suspensions and to effect water has proven very effective in
precipitation of soluble species the removal of contaminants from
and other pollutants from aqueous water.
streams. 2. These systems variety of anode
2. Material likes Alum, lime and and cathode geometries, such as
polymers are some of the plates, balls, fluidized bed
chemical coagulants used. spheres, wire mesh, rods, and
3. Chemical coagulation, the tubes.
reagents (FeCl3, Al2 (SO4)3, etc.) 3. Electro coagulation, the metallic
are directly added there is no action is supplied by an electricity
required electric current. stream generated by the oxidation
of the metallic electrode.
4. Chemical coagulation process 4. Electrical current required for the
there is no requirement of the electro coagulation process.
electric current.
5. For electro coagulation the 5. For this the optimum pH for the
optimum pH for the particle’s particle’s removal between 6-9.
removal was 9.
6. Chemical coagulation is also 6. Electrical coagulation is also
becoming increasingly less becoming increasingly more
acceptable and disposal cost of acceptable and disposal cost of the
the large volumes of sludge. lower volumes of sludge.
7. Efficiency of chemical 7. Efficiency is more than chemical
coagulation process is lower than coagulation process.
the electrical process.

Electrical current is directly applied for the addition of metal ions into the
waste water which is subsequently hydrolyzed to generate coagulating species.
Electrical coagulation treatment process is conducted in an electrolytic reactor which
is applied in batch or continuous mode in which a clarified liquid and sludge are
obtained as principal products.
Followings are the parts of Electro coagulation process

• Power supply
• Surge-feeding tank (1)
• System pumps
• Reaction chamber (2)
• Electronic control system
• Two sludge separation units (4)
In water and wastewater treatment electro coagulation (EC) is an emerging

technique because of its versatility, environmental compatibility and ability to offer
significant process efficiency at low capital and operation cost. This process the
sacrificial iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) electrodes have been employed extensively
for treatment of contaminated water.
The use of Al based sludge seem to induce neurotoxicity. In this non-faradic

contribution to anodic dissolution of Al anode leading to a higher material loss during
EC has also been reported. Since, Fe electrodes are inexpensive and more easily
available than Al electrode, the present study attempts to establish experimental
conditions for using sacrificial iron anode to decontaminate inorganic as well as
organic contaminants.

1.3.3 Following are the stepwise process electro coagulation process

for Wastewater Treatment
Processes occurring:
1. Seeding resulting from the anode reduction of metal ions that become new
centers for larger, stable, insoluble complexes
2. Emulsion breaking resulting from oxygen and hydrogen ions reacting with
emulsified substances and forming water insoluble material
3. Halogen completing - as the metal ions bind themselves to halogens resulting
in formation of large insoluble complexes and isolating pesticides, herbicides,
chlorinated PCBs, etc.
4. Bleaching by oxygen species produced in the reaction chamber and providing
oxidization of chemical substances and also reducing bio-hazards through
oxidization of bacteria, viruses, etc.
5. Electron flooding of the water affects the polarity of water, allowing colloidal
materials to precipitate. The electrons create osmotic pressure rupturing cell
walls of bacteria, cysts, and viruses
6. Oxidation and reduction reactions are forced to their natural end point.
Electro coagulation can speed up the natural processes occurring in wet
chemistry
1.3.4 Theory of EC
EC process operates on the base of the principle that the cations produced
electrolytically from iron and/or aluminum anodes which is responsible for the
increasing of the coagulation of contaminants from an aqueous medium. Due to
electromotive force tends to concentrate negatively charged particles in the region of
the anode and positively charged particles in the region of the cathode and the
consumable metal anodes are used to continuously produce polyvalent metal cations
in the region of the anode.
Then the cations neutralize the negative charge of the particles moved towards
the anodes by production of polyvalent cations from the oxidation of the sacrificial

anodes (Fe and Al) and the electrolysis gases like Hydrogen evolved at the anode and
oxygen evolved at the cathode and theory of EC has been discussed by a number of
authors.
EC process involves three successive stages:

(a) Formation of coagulants by electrolytic oxidation of the ‘sacrificial electrode
(b) Destabilization of the contaminants, particulate suspension, and breaking of
emulsions
(c) Aggregation of the destabilized phases to form flocs.
The destabilization mechanism of the contaminants, particulate suspension, and

breaking of emulsions has been described in broad steps and may be summarized as
follows:
a) Diffuse double-layer is compressed around the charged species, which is achieved
by the interactions of ions generated by dissolution of the sacrificial electrode, due to
passage of current through the solution.
b) The ionic species present in wastewater is neutralize, which is caused by the
counter ions, produced by the electrochemical dissolution of the sacrificial electrode
and these counter ions reduce the electrostatic inter particle repulsion sufficiently so
that the van der Waals attraction predominates, thus causing coagulation.
c) Formation of floc as a result of coagulation creates a sludge blanket that entraps
and bridges colloidal particles that have not been complexes.
By using Faraday’s law shows the relationship between current density

(A/cm2) and the quantity of the metals (M) dissolved (g of M/cm2) find out:
W=I×t×M/n×F
Where,
W = the amount of dissolution of electrode (g of M/cm2)
I= Current density (A/cm2)

t = time in second
M = Relative molar mass of the electrode
n = no. of electrons in oxidation/reduction reaction
F = Faraday’s constant, 96,500 C/mol.
Operating conditions for the EC are mostly dependent on the chemistry of the
aqueous medium, mainly conductivity and pH and other important characteristics are
particle size, type of electrodes, retention time between plate, plate spacing and
chemical constituent concentrations.
Operating principal is that the cations produced electrolytic from iron and/ or
aluminum anodes enhance the coagulation of contaminants from an aqueous medium.
Electrophoretic motion tends to concentrate positively charged ions in the regions of
the cathode and negatively charged particles in the region of the anode.
1.4 Electro coagulation Mechanism
Electrical current is used for electro coagulation technology in waste water

treatment in which the treatment of wastewater without adding any coagulant. In this
process when electric current is supplied in the reactor, electro coagulation occurs.
After circulation of the metal ions from anode lose electrons and get combined with
the ions present in wastewater and reaction between ions takes place, results in the
formati0on of floc.
In EC some particle settles at the bottom while some moves upward due to
formation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles at cathode and hydrogen gas helps in the
upward movement of water containing pollutants. In waste water treatment reaction
between ions and the wastewater depends on the conductivity of the solution.

Cathode gains electron and gets reduced and thereby making water better
treated. At anode with (OH-) ions from the water to form highly charged coagulants
which diminishing the stability of suspended particles, so that Al3+ reacts with OH-
to form Al (OH)3 i.e. aluminum hydroxides, which is also an efficient coagulant.
General reactions at anode:
M → Mn+ + ne-
2H2O → 4H+ + O2 + 4e-
General reactions at cathode:
Mn+ + ne- → M
2H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH-
The various reactions involved in Electro coagulation process

Combination with other treatment methods is a safe and effective way for the removal
of Pollutants.
There are three main processes occur serially during Electrocoagulation:
1. Electrolytic reactions at electrode surfaces,
2. Formation of coagulants in aqueous phase
3. Adsorption of soluble or colloidal pollutants on Coagulants
4. Removal by sedimentation or floatation.
This technique of waste water treatment to create conglomerates of the

suspended, dissolved or emulsified particles in aqueous medium using electrical
current causing production of metal ions at the expense of sacrificing electrodes.
Hydroxyl ions as a result of water splitting and the metal hydroxides are
produced as a result of EC and act as coagulant/flocculent for the suspended solids to
convert them into flocs of enough density to be sediment under gravity.

Contaminants are destabilizing particulate suspension, breaking of emulsions, and

aggregation of the destabilized phases to form flocs and reactions occurring in an EC
process using aluminum anode and cathode sented below.
1.4.1 Electrodes are used for EC process of waste water

Aluminum Electrode
Process of EC for wastewater using an aluminum electrode has been reported

by a number of authors and electrolytic dissolution of the aluminum anode produces
the cationic monomeric species such as Al3+ and Al (OH) 2+
at low pH, which at
appropriate pH values are transformed initially into Al (OH) 3 and finally polymerized
to Al n (OH) 3n according to the following reactions:
Anode:
Al-3e = Al3+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Al3+ + 3OH = Al (OH) 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (2)
Al3+ + 3H2O = Al (OH) 3 + 3H+ . . . . . . . . .. (3)
2H2O- 4e = O2 + 4H+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (4)
Cathode:
2H2O + 2e = H2 + OH . . . . . . . . .. (5)
Iron Electrode
Oxidation in an electrolytic system produces iron hydroxide, Fe (OH) n, where n = 2

or 3.

Two mechanisms have been proposed for the production of Fe (OH). If iron or
aluminum electrodes are used.
Fe2+and Al3+ ion generation take place at the anode by the following reaction.
Fe (S) → Fe2+ (a) + 2e-
Al (S) → Al3+ (a) + 3e-
At the cathode, hydrogen evolution takes place by the following reaction.
3H2O (l) + 3e- → 3/2 H2 (g) + 3OH-
DC supply
Reaction Vessel
Electrode
Electro coagulation generates hydroxide ions, which of the most reactive

species which oxidize. The organic compounds, Polyhydroxides or Hydroxide have
strong bond attraction, further dispersed particles as well as counter ions to cause
coagulation. Suspended solids will take place in upward direction due to gas evolved
at the electrodes.

1.4.2 The advantages of electro coagulation as compared to chemical

coagulation are as follows:
1. EC requires no addition of chemicals
2. Provides better removal capabilities for the same species than chemical
Coagulation,
3. Removes many species that chemical coagulation cannot remove,
4. It produces less sludge, thus lowering the sludge disposal cost sludge is more
readily filterable and can be utilized as a soil additive.
5. EC sludge contains metal oxides that pass the leach ability test.
6. This technique needs minimal startup time; the process can be started by
turning on the switch.
7. EC requires simple equipment and is easy to operate with sufficient
operational latitude to handle most problems encountered on running.
8. Wastewater treated by EC gives palatable, clear, colorless and odorless water.
9. Sludge formed by EC tends to be readily settable and easy to de-water,
because it is composed of mainly metallic oxides/hydroxides.
10. Flocs formed by EC are similar to chemical floc, except that EC floc tends to
be much larger, contains less bound water, is acid-resistant and more stable,
and therefore, can be separated faster by filtration.
11. EC produces effluent with less total dissolved solids (TDS) content as
compared with chemical treatments. If this water is reused, the low TDS level
contributes to a lower water recovery cost.
12. The EC process has the advantage of removing the smallest colloidal
particles, because the applied electric field sets them in faster motion, thereby
facilitating the coagulation.
13. The EC process avoids uses of chemicals, and so there is no problem of
neutralizing excess chemicals and no possibility of secondary pollution caused
by chemical substances added at high concentration as when chemical
coagulation of wastewater is used.
14. The gas bubbles produced during electrolysis can carry the pollutant to the
top of the solution where it can be more easily concentrated, collected and
removed.

15. The electrolytic processes in the EC cell are controlled electrically with no
moving parts, thus requiring less maintenance.
16. The EC technique can be conveniently used in rural areas where electricity is
not available, since a solar panel attached to the unit may be sufficient to carry
out the process.
Disadvantages of EC
1. The ‘sacrificial electrodes’ are dissolved into wastewater streams as a result of
oxidation, and need to be regularly replaced.
2. The use of electricity may be expensive in many places.
3. An impermeable oxide film may be formed on the cathode leading to loss of
efficiency of the EC unit.
4. High conductivity of the wastewater suspension is required.
5. Gelatinous hydroxide may tend to solubilize in some cases.
1.5 Application of electro coagulation

1. Decolonization
2. Wastewater Treatment
3. Industrial Wastewater Treatment
4. Heavy Metals
5. Organic and Inorganic Removal
6. Combined Treated with Adsorption, Membranes
7. Dye Removal
8. Pretreatment
1.6 Fenton Process

1.6.1 Fenton’s reactions/H2O2
Mixture of ferrous iron (catalyst) and hydrogen peroxide (oxidizing agent),

has been known as a powerful oxidant for organic contaminants and the Fe+ is called
as Fenton’s reagent.

Reactions are carried out in Fenton process
Fe2+ + H2O2→ Fe3+ + OH- + HO•
Fe2+ + HO• → Fe3+ + OH-
HO• + RH → H2O + R•
R• + Fe3+→ R+ + Fe2+
Factors affecting Fenton process

1. pH
2. Amount of ferrous ion
3. Concentration of H2O2
4. Initial concentration of the pollutant
5. Presence of other ions.
For Fenton’s reagent processes ranges of optimum value of pH from 2 to 4

and higher than 4, the Fe2+ ions are unstable and they are easily transformed to
Fe3+ ions, forming complexes with hydroxyl. H2O2 loses its oxidative power due
to its breakdown to oxygen and water in alkaline solution. Wastewater pH
adjustment is usually needed before treatment with Fenton processes and increase
of ferrous ions and H2O2 concentration results to an increase of degradation rate.
The toxicity of H2O2 to several microorganisms and the use of excess amounts
of H2O2 could possibly deteriorate overall degradation efficiency for cases that
Fenton process is followed by biological oxidation. Organic compounds are
inhibited by phosphate, sulfate, fluoride, bromide and chloride ions in Fenton’s
process.
Inhibition of Fenton’s process by following
1. Precipitation of iron
2. Scavenging of HO•
3. Coordination to dissolved Fe (III) to form a less reactive complex.

Electrochemical reactions include in Electro-Fenton methods situ generation of

their agents used for the Fenton reaction and generated reagents depend on solution
conditions, cell potential and nature of electrodes. Production of Ferrous ions
oxidative dissolution of anodes such as iron metal or by reduction of ferric ions at an
inert cathode such as platinum and H2O2 may be produced by dioxygen reduction at
the cathode.
Fenton’s reagent
By studied of various research metals special oxygen transfer properties which

improve the utility of hydrogen peroxide. Iron is most common metal when used in
the prescribed manner results in the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals
(OH) and reactivity of this system was first observed in 1894 by its inventor H.J.H.
Fenton. Reaction between hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ferrous iron (Fe2+),
producing the hydroxyl radical (OH) results of Fenton’s reagent and hydroxyl radical
is a strong oxidant capable of oxidizing various organic compounds.
To treat a variety of industrial wastes containing a range of toxic organic

compounds (phenols, formaldehyde, BTEX, and complex wastes derived from
dyestuffs, pesticides, wood preservatives, plastics additives, and rubber chemicals)
Fenton’s Reagent are most used. . . . . .. [21].
Theory of Fenton Process
Catalytic oxidation of tartaric acid in the presence of ferrous salts and

hydrogen peroxide was reported by Fenton and hydroxyl radicals are generated from
the reduction of hydrogen peroxide.
Fe2++ H2O2 → Fe3++OH• + OH-
High concentrations of Fe2+, the hydroxyl radicals formed can oxidize other
ferrous ions to ferric ion as follows

Fe2++ OH• → Fe3++ OH-
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidation agents and Fe salts acts as catalyst
for Fenton process and high concentration of certain refractory contaminants and the
low rate of reactions at reasonable H2O2 concentration. Using transition metal salts,
ozone and also UV-light and use H2O2 and metal salts are classically known as Fenton
process. The reaction between H2O2and iron salts it will results in the formation of
hydroxyl radicals, HO•.
Effects of various parameters on the Fenton Oxidation Process

1. Mass Ratio & Dosage of H2O2/Fe2+
2. Iron type (Ferrous Fe2+ – Ferric Fe3+)
3. Temperature.
4. pH
5. Reaction Time.
6. Adding chemicals in steps.
7. The Reaction is followed by neutralization.
8. Characteristic of Wastewater treated.

2. LITERATURE REVIEWS
Experimental study in the laboratory by Zongo et al. determined that by

using electro coagulation for textile industry wastewater with aluminum and iron
electrodes, the authors concluded that that the important parameters energy
consumption where COD, turbidity abatement, electrode material, current efficiency,
and cell voltage. In the EC process absorbance and COD had similar variations along
the treatment, where a model could relate metal dissolution and pollution substance.
Studied by the Linares-Hernandez et al. determined that 99% COD, 100%

color, and 100% turbidity was removed by two-step process electro coagulation with
iron electrode and electro oxidation with a boron dipped diamond electrode. Augustin
determined that electro coagulation was capable of reducing turbidity, acidity, BOD,
COD, and heavy metals within palm oil mill effluent from Crumhorn Province in
Thailand using aluminum electrodes and NaCl as electrolyte. [1]
The process of EC for waste water to create conglomerates of the

suspended, dissolved or emulsified particles in aqueous medium using electrical
current causing production of metal ions at the expense of sacrificing electrodes and
hydroxyl ions as a result of water splitting. In the EC process resulting of the metal
hydroxides is act as coagulant/flocculent for the suspended solids to convert them into
flocs of enough density to be sediment under gravity. Destabilization of the
contaminants, particulate suspension, breaking of emulsions, and aggregation of the
destabilized phases to form flocs. . . . . . . . . [2]
Report of the lab study by Zhang et al. concluded that considering the use
of organic chlorine pesticide contamination and found that a presence of pesticides
within those soils and that human population within the vicinity of the soils were
under a threat to being exposed to those pollutions, as it required treatment
technologies to rid those pesticides from the soils and the EC process can treat the
waste water with better results. . . . . .. [3]

Total suspended solids (TSS) was removed at 89%, turbidity 90%, BOD
86%, and oil and grease 99%, when completing electrocoagulation by combining mild
steel or aluminum electrodes for treating slaughter house wastewater conducted by
Asselin et al. and it was identified that the total cost of treatment is 0.71 USD/m3
treated poultry slaughterhouse (PS) effluent, particularly including energy and
electrode consumption and chemical and sludge disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. [4]
Experimental study reported by Espinoza-Quinone’s et al. that pollutant

removal was completely accomplished for COD, turbidity, and concentrations of
chromium; provided that pH is neutral and electro coagulation ranges between 30 and
45 min and for leather finishing industrial process wastewater for organic and
industrial pollutant removal by the electro coagulation treatment. . . . . . . . . . . .. [5].
Sulfate removal was best removed concluded by Mahi et al. that whenever
the electrical potential was 30 V, reaction time 60 minutes, and pH of 11 when using a
six-plate aluminum electrode electro coagulation and the initial concentration was
also an important factor as the authors considered treatment at 350 and 700 mg/L
concentrations. . . . . .. [6].
Report by Kongo et al. determined that chromium and pollutants could be

removed within 95% by considering tannery wastewater with a one-step
electrocoagulation process. Additional parameters included a pH between 7 and 9,
current density of Water 2011. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . [8].
Investigation of effect of different parameters by Mohammad Enamored

et al such as, current density (6.25 – 31.25 A/m2), electrolysis time (5 – 60 min),
electrolyte pH (5.5 – 8.5), and electrical conductivity (100 and 1000 mos./cm) on
removal efficiency of fluoride from aqueous solution in batch reactor and electro
coagulation process is effective process for defluorination of potable water supply as
well as defluorination of industrial wastewater . . . . . . . . . . . .. [8]

Study report by Kushal A. Mehta et al. performed batch electrocoagulation

process for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater. Four samples are taken from
the batch reactor at 30, 60, 90, 120 min. of contact time. The maximum efficiency is
achieved at 1A of applied current. EC is found effective at initial pH of 4 and contact
time of 120 min. the degradation of COD, TKN, TDS, TSS and color is observed. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .. [9]
Removal efficiency is increased by 6.2 % with decreasing pH from 11 to 3 at

optimum condition of 30 V- and 60-min. operation time reported by Manoah
Dagbani et al. and also state that increasing the reaction time from 30 min. to 60 min.
at voltage (10, 20 and 30 V), the removal efficiency is increased from 32.2 to 87.1% .
. . . . .. [10]
By study report of Subramanyan Vasudevan et al. compare effects of

alternating current and direct current on electro coagulation process and D.C. current
is used in electro coagulation process. Oxide layer is formed on the surface of the
cathode and corrosion may occur on the surface of anode due to loss of electron and
prevents the effective current transfer between electrodes.
Subramanyan Vasudevan et al. report of their study disadvantage can be

replaced by using Alternating current the removal of efficiency of 97.5 % and 96.2 %
is achieved by using AC and DC current respectively. . . . . . . . . . . .. [11]
Examination by the study report of Thirugnanansamb and ham

Karichappan et al. examine the effects of electrode distance on EC process. It is
observed that removal efficiency of TSS, TDS, COD is increased by increasing the
electrodes distance up to 5 cm. but beyond that, the efficiency is gradually reduced. . .
. . . . . . [12].
Studied by Midscale et al. Electro coagulation with Fe/Al (anode/cathode)

is more effective for the decolorization of Tartrazine (a synthetic yellow azo dye) than
Fe/Fe electrode pair . . . . . . . . . . . .. [12]

Study report by the Wang et al. that high removal efficiency of orange G
simulated dye could be achieved, when the pH was 4.5, NaCl concentration was 0.75
g/L, space between electrodes was 10 mm, treatment time 10 minutes and also
observed no relation with the applied voltage. . . . . . . . . . . .. . [12].
Experimental study shown by Raghu and Basha removed 100% COD and
92% color by the use of It/RuO2/IrO2 as anode and stainless steel as cathode within an
electrochemical membrane for the purpose of treating textile dye bath and generates
caustic soda, where the caustic soda generation went from 40 to 210.28 g/L.
Results indicated by Phalakorkule et al. reported a study for treating

Reactive Blue 140 reactive dye and disperse dye II and indicated that color was
reduced by 95% with an energy consumption of 1 kWh/m3 and a dye concentration of
100 mg/L during synthetic treatment.
Study of Mollah et al. removed 94.5% of orange II dye from 10 ppm at

density of 160 A/m2, pH of 6.5, conductance of 7.1 mS/cm, flow rate of 350 mL/min,
and NaCl concentration of 4.0 g/L . . . . . . . . .. . [13]
Iranian Environmental Protection Agency (Iranian EPA) standard, the

maximum allowable concentration of COD, BOD, TSS, NH3 and turbidity effluent for
discharge to surface water are 60mg/l, 30mg/l, 40mg/l, 2.5mg/l and 50NTU,
respectively and results of EC process the COD, BOD, TSS, NH3 and turbidity in
effluent treatment hospitals were 99.25mg/l, 48.58mg/l, 54mg/l, 5.65mg/land
29.57NTU. . . . . . . . . . [15]
By Experimental study of Rao and Paulet al Advanced Oxidation

Processes (AOP) involving hydroxyl radicals, which are one of the strongest
inorganic oxidants next to elemental fluorine, have been extremely effective in the
destruction of organic pollutants.

AOPs use a combination of oxidation agents (such as H2O2 or O3),

irradiation (such as UV or ultrasound), catalysts (such as metal ions or photo
catalysts) and radiolysis (such as gamma irradiation or electron beam) as a means to
generate hydroxyl radicals.
Heterogeneous (UV + Fe II + H2O2) and UV + H2O2 homogeneous

photochemical reactions ultrasonic irradiation combined son chemical and
photochemical techniques with variable results. Photo-Fenton and TiO2- mediated
photo catalytic degradation of several surfactants using solar energy has been
reported. . . . . .. [1].
Remediation of nitro phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, diesel,

shale oil and transformer oil contaminated soil by Ozonation and the Fenton
treatment. Contaminants adsorbed in peat resulted in lower contaminants’ removal
and required higher addition of chemicals than chemical treatment of contaminants in
sand matrix.
AOPs like photo Fenton and Electro Fenton treatment was found to be
feasible for soil remediation at natural soil pH. Soil consists of iron able to catalyze
hydrogen peroxide without addition of extra Fe2+ in the Fenton treatment. By the
previous studies combined chemical and biological treatment (the Fenton treatment or
ozonation with moderate doses of chemical oxidants and biodegradation) was more
effective than either one alone and can be used as a successful treatment technology
for contaminated soil remediation. . . . . . . . . . . .. [2].
In 1987 experimental studied by Glaze et al., Advanced oxidation processes

(AOP), which involve the in-situ generation of highly potent chemical oxidants such
as the hydroxyl radical (OH•) and have recently emerged as an important class of
technologies for accelerating the oxidation and destruction of a wide range of organic
contaminants in polluted water and air. [18].
Established by study Glaze et al. 1987 the concept of advanced oxidation
processes. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have received increasing attention
which generates hydroxyl radicals in sufficient quantity to affect water treatment.

AOPs are use a combination of strong oxidants, e.g. O3 and H2O2, catalysts, e.g.
transition metal ions or photo catalyst, and irradiation, e.g. ultraviolet (UV),
ultrasound (US), or electron beam. . .. [18]
In 2003 analysis by Parag R. Go gate and Aniruddha B. Pandit that due to

the increase in various processing units in industries there are presence of various
heavy toxic substances and large molecules in the wastewater streams, due to this the
present conventional biological methods cannot be used for complete treatment of the
effluent.
It is necessity of introduction of newer technologies to degrade these

refractory molecules into smaller molecules which can be further oxidized by
biological methods, has become imperative. AOPs are the effective works with
combinations of conventional methods.
AOPs are operating at ambient conditions viz. cavitation, photo catalytic

oxidation, Fenton’s chemistry and ozonation, use of hydrogen peroxide and these
individual processes which including various the optimum operating parameters and
the reactor design by considering the various applications to wastewater treatment in
the recent years. . . . . .. [20]
Experimental study of AOPs by Midscale and Benalaxyl the degradation of

Malachite green using UV/H2O2 process, and the result shows that 300 mg/l of H2O2
is the optimum dosage for the treatment.
Experimental study by Kenneth S. Slick and Yuri Dibenzo as cavitation is

a process of formation of bubbles and there collapse in liquids which results in a
generation of enormous concentration of energy from the conversion of the kinetic
energy of liquid motion into heating of the contents of the bubble.
Ambient temperatures and pressures, combined with extraordinarily rapid

cooling, provide a unique means for driving chemical reactions under extreme
conditions. Ultrasound to enhance the chemical reactivity has been explored, with
important applications in mixed-phase synthesis, materials and biomedical uses. . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . [22].
In year of 2007 by Saritha et al. compared various AOP for the degradation
of 4-chloro-2-nitro phenol and the result shows that removal rate was higher for the
UV/ Fenton process.
In 2012 studied by Bin and Sober-Made that the UV, UV/H2O2 and O3
process for the treatment of antibiotic substance present in the wastewater, and the
effective removal of COD and TOC was observed for the O3 process.
Photon catalytic oxidation and Fenton oxidation process by Gucci et al.

(2010) investigated for the treatment of wastewater containing reactive azo dyes,
Reactive Violet 2 and Reactive Yellow 3 and inferred that Fenton process rate is
faster than the photo catalytic process.
In 2004 experimental study by Bali et al. Various dye solutions like

Reactive Black 5, Direct Red 28 and Direct Yellow 12 for treatment using UV, UV/
H2O2 and UV/H2O2/Fe+2 process and reported that photo- Fenton process increases
the decolorization and mineralization within short irradiation time and distillery
effluent treatment using AOP.
By various experimental study Fenton’s Reagent is used to treat a variety of

industrial wastes containing a range of toxic organic compounds dyestuffs, pesticides,
wood preservatives, plastics additives, and rubber chemicals. . . . . . . . . [26].
In 1894 by its inventor H.J.H. Fenton. Many metals have special oxygen
transfer properties which improve the utility of hydrogen peroxide. The most common
of these is iron which, when used in the prescribed manner, results in the generation
of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH).
In 1894 system reactivity was first observed inventor H.J.H. Fenton the
result of reaction between hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ferrous iron (Fe2+),
producing the hydroxyl radical (OH). The hydroxyl radical is a strong oxidant capable
of oxidizing various organic compounds.

Experiment in 2012 observed by Asaithambi et al. ozone assisted electro

coagulation for the treatment of effluent, and they observed ozone-assisted electro
coagulation was more effective than electro coagulation and ozonation alone.
Study of efficiency of AOPs by Vineeth et al. (2013) the photo degradation

of effluent in the presence of solar radiation and the result shows 79 % color removal
under the optimum conditions of H2O2, pH and catalyst.
In 2008 Experimental study Rethawing and Charade experimented

treatment in the presence of immobilized iron catalyst using ozonation, and the result
shows that the presence of catalyst enhances the color and COD removal. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . [26].

3. PARAMETERS TO BE ANALYSED
3.1 Effect of various parameters on Electro Fenton Process

1. Effect of pH value
Reaction to be conducted under the conditions of reaction time 60 minutes,

H2O2/FeSO4 (Fe salt) =1:1 and different pH values results found that low pH has
effective for Fenton’s reagent, and the best removal efficiency is obtained at a pH =3.
At the lower value of pH is better to remove inorganic carbons from waste water as
they can scavenge hydroxyl radicals.
As the value of higher pH COD is increasing, the decomposition rate

decreases. At high pH formation of Fe (II) complexes with the buffer occurs
inhibiting the formation of free radicals Precipitation of ferric oxy hydroxides inhibits
the generation of ferrous ions and the oxidation potential of hydroxyl radical is known
to decrease with increase in pH.
2. Effect of Reaction Time:
Reaction time is the important factor for treatment process by Fenton. As per
experimental studies optimum reaction time is 90 minutes demonstrated that the COD
decreased gradually to 90 minutes reaction time and then increased. Ferrous iron and
hydrogen peroxide with the production of hydroxyl radical was almost complete in 90
minutes.
3. Effect of Fe2+and H2O2 addition:

For this AOP process iron and hydrogen peroxide are two major chemicals
determining operation costs as well as efficiency and the dosage of H2O2 depends on
initial COD. If COD is higher the requires more H2O2 and if COD lower than the less
H2O2 required.
As per experimental study optimum amount of H2O2 obtained is 600-900 mg/l of

waste water treated. As value or amount of H2O2 contributes to residual H2O2 leading
to increase in COD.

Amount of excess hydrogen peroxide is harmful to many microorganisms and will

affect the overall efficiency and hydrogen peroxide present in large quantities acts as
a scavenger for the generated hydroxyl radicals. Amount of hydrogen peroxide is to
be adjusted so that the entire amount is utilized.
4. Effect of Fe2+ on COD removal:
Usually the rate of degradation increases with an increase in the concentration

of ferrous iron but an enormous increase of ferrous iron leads to an increase in the
unutilized quantity of ferrous irons, which will contribute to an increase in the TDS
content of the effluent stream.
5. Temperature effect
The value of temperature increases rate of degradation also increase at specific

value of temperature after some value of temperature degradation stops. So, the
optimum value of temperature is important. The degradation is better and faster as
demonstrated at 60°C.
6. Effect of Voltage
As applied voltage increase the rate of photolysis of H2O2 increase. Optimum

value of 12-30 V DC after that rate of degradation reduced. Value of DC voltage
should be less than 40V DC supply.
7. Effect of the distance between the electrodes
Effect of distance between the electrodes on the removal efficiency of COD.

Distance between the electrodes in this method is selected between 3 cm and 3.5 cm
which causes a 4% increase in the removal efficiency and gives rise to energy
consumption and operational cost of the method. Thus, the minimum distances should
be selected.

As distance between two electrodes as 3cm which resulted in 68% of COD

removal at a pH of 3, voltage of 15 volt, an H2O2 concentration of 900mg/l and
treatment time of 60 min. The distance between the electrodes is an important
operation condition for the electrodes which affects the removal of pollutants. If
distance between decreases the electrodes leads to a decrease in the ohmic drop
through the electrolyte and then decreases the cell voltage and energy consumption.
3.2 Analysis of various waste water characteristics
Effluent coming out from industry has gone tremendous change in their
physical and chemical characteristics. Physical and chemical characteristics of the
effluent will vary and which ultimately decides the impact of that effluent to the
environment when it is released in to the stream if not treated properly.
3.2.1 Physical Characteristics
The physical characteristics of the effluent mainly contain the tests like odor,
color, temperature and turbidity etc.
1. Color: This property of effluent can normally be detected by naked eye and
color of the effluent mainly depends on some specific industrial waste
depending on the operation of the industry.
2. Odor: As waste water contains less oxygen in it then it starts omitting
offensive odors, especially if it contains the gases like hydrogen sulphide.
3. Temperature: The solubility of gases in the effluent is affected by
temperature in addition it also affects the viscosity which in turn affects the
sedimentation process of the effluent.
4. Turbidity: If the effluent contains untreated matter or any other suspended
matter the turbidity is more and turbidity can be measured by using turbid
meters.

3.2.2 Chemical Characteristics
This is the important characteristics of the effluents is the main factors which
decides its impact on stream and extent and the type of treatment required for its safe
disposal and it manly contains the properties like total dissolve solids, pH value,
chemical oxygen demand, bio-chemical oxygen demand etc.
1. Total Solids: The solids present in the effluent such as untreated matter
dissolved substance etc. are called the total solids.
2. pH value: pH value of the effluent indicates the negative log of hydrogen ion
concentration present in the effluent and indicates the alkalinity of effluent. If
the pH value is less than 7 the effluent is acidic and if it is more than 7 the
effluent is alkaline.
3. Chemical Oxygen Demand (C.O.D): COD is measuring the organic matter
present in the effluent and the amount of oxygen used for oxidizing the
organic matter present in the effluent.
4. Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D): Oxygen required by the effluent for
its biological decomposition called as BOD.
Physical and chemical characteristics of the effluent, which states that the physical
characteristics has very less impact as compared with chemical characteristics of
effluent and it’s also decides its disposal treatment and its impact on the environment.
Selection of parameters
Chemical properties of the effluent are main concern for its safe disposal,
hence for this project work we select the chemical properties such as pH, Total
Dissolved Solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand (C.O.D) and Bio-chemical Oxygen
Demand (B.O.D) to be analyzed by using AOPs for the treatment of waste water
coming out from industry.

COD Determination in Water/Wastewater Using Closed Reflux –

Titrimetric Method
Purpose: To measure the pollution potential of wastewaters in terms of organic

matter present in it.
Definition: The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test measures the oxygen required
to oxidize organic matter in water and wastewater samples by the action of strong
oxidizing agents under acid conditions.
Materials:
15 ml COD digestion tubes Potassium dichromate Erlenmeyer flasks Silver sulfate -
sulfuring acid reagent Burette, 25 ml, 1 1. Ferrous ammonium sulfate Magnetic stirrer
Ferroin indicator.
Reagents
1. Standard potassium dichromate digestion solution – 0.0167M Add to about 500 ml
distilled water 4.913 g K2Cr2O7 167 ml conc. H2SO4, and 33.3 g H2SO4. Dissolve,
cool to room temperature, and dilute to 1000 ml.
2. Sulfuric acid Reagent Dissolve 5.5 g Ag2SO4 in one Kg of sulfuric acid and cool.
3. Standard ferrous ammonium sulfate – 0.05 M Dissolve 19.2 g Fe (NH3)2(SO4)2.6
H2O in DW. Add 10 ml conc. H2SO4, cool and dilute to 1000 ml. Standardized
against standard K2Cr2O7 digestion solution.
Procedure
a. Take 15 ml COD digestion tubes (pre-washed with dilute H2SO4) and add the
following in sequence
b. Transfer 0.50 ml wastewater sample (Inlet) or 1.00 ml treated sample.
c. Add 2.5 ml standard potassium dichromate digestion reagent slowly and mix.
d. Add 3.5 ml sulfuric acid reagent through sides of the tubes and let it go to the
bottom.
e. Cap and mix the contents (wear gloves as contents are very hot) and cool.
f. Transfer tubes to the pre-heated COD digester at 150 C and digest for 2 hrs.
g. Run 3 blanks by substituting DW for sample and proceed exactly as sample.

Titration
Transfer the contents of the COD digestion tube in 100 ml beaker. Add distilled water
to make the volume to 50 ml. add 1-2 drops of Ferro in indicator and titrate against
0.05 M Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate solution.
Calculation:
COD as mg O2/L= (A-B) X M X 8000 /ml sample
Where,
A. ml FAS used for blank
B. ml FAS used for sample
M. molarity of FAS
3.3 Characteristics of raw hospital waste water
Table 3.1
Sr. No. Parameters Quantity (mg/l)

1 pH 7.5(-)
2 TS 640
3 TDS 529
4 SS 125
5 BOD 298
6 COD 678

4. MATERIALS AND METHODS
4.1 Materials
1. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
This is the strong oxidant and its application in the treatment of various inorganic
and organic pollutants is well established. H2O2 consist of two hydrogen molecules
and two oxygen molecules.
H O O
H
2. Fenton’s Reagents (Fe salt/ FeSO4 Solution).
Metal salts (e.g. iron salts) which are strong oxidants that is the Fenton’s
process. Fe+3 and Fe+2 are used to oxidation of H2O2 which decompose or cause of
degradation of waste water. The amount of this Fenton reagent is based on the amount
used of H2O2.
3. Acid or Alkali
H2SO4 acid or NaOH alkali to be used for Ph maintain of waste water. The
optimum Value of pH necessary for the Fenton process.
Electrodes
Iron or Aluminum electrode are used for the electro Fenton process
Al Electrode Fe Electrode

4.2 Reaction Mechanism

4.2.1 Fenton Process
The reaction of Fenton reagent and oxidizing agent H2O2.The generation of
hydroxyl radicals following the chain reaction.
Fe2+ + H2O2 Fe3+ + OH• + OH- (chain initiation) (1)
OH• + Fe2+ OH- + Fe3+ (chain termination) (2)
As per reaction (1) and (2) the ferrous iron (Fe2+) starts the reaction and
catalyses the decomposition of H2O2 in hydroxyl radicals and newly formed ferric
ions (Fe3+) may decompose hydrogen peroxide in water and oxygen (forming ferrous
ions and radicals)
Fe3+ + H2O2 FeOOH2+ + H+ (3)
Fe OOH2+ HO2• + Fe2+ (4)
All of above reactions are the Fenton process which carried out step by step.
HO• + RH H2O + R•
R• + Fe3+ R+ + Fe2+
The organics (RH) are oxidized by hydroxyl radical’s proton abstraction ending with
the production of organics radicals (R•).
pH value has to be in the acidic range to generate the maximum amount of

hydroxyl radicals to oxidize organic compounds. At high pH (pH > 4), the generation
of hydroxyl radicals gets slower because of the formation of the ferric-hydroxo
complexes and thus the initial pH value has to be between 2 and 4 to generate the
maximum amount of hydroxyl radicals to oxidize organic compounds.

4.2.2 Electrocoagulation Process
Cathodic reduction of oxygen gas, directly injected as compressed air
O2 (g) + 2 H+ + 2 e-→ H2O2
Efficiency of H2O2 production is generally not very high and depends on some
factors such as operating conditions (O2 solubility, temperature and pH) and cathode
properties.
2 H2O2 → O2 (g) + 2 H2O
H2O2 + 2 H+ + 2 e- → 2 H2O
H2O2 → HO2 + H+ + e-
HO2. → O2 (g) + H+ + e-
Fenton's reagent, i.e., the Fe2+ ion, is initially introduced in a catalytic amount
in the form of ferrous (or ferric) salts, and is regenerated electro catalytically from
reduction of Fe3+ formed by Fenton’s reaction.
Fe3+ + e-→ Fe2+
Fenton's reagent is continuously produced in the solution to be treated in a

catalytic way, producing OH via Fenton’s reaction to ensure the destruction of
organic pollutants in aqueous medium and OH quickly reacts in the bulk with
organics leading to their oxidation/mineralization.
Organic pollutants + OH → oxidation intermediates
Intermediates + OH → CO2 + H2O + inorganic ions
EC oxidation process is the best technology for the degradation of a large

number of hazardous and organic pollutants EC oxidation process produced highly
reactive radicals, including the hydroxyl radical (OH•). This radical reacts rapidly and
non-selectively with almost all electron-rich organic compounds.
Fe2+ + H2O2 = Fe+3 + OH- + OH.

4.3 Experimental setup

Fenton process shows in the schematic diagram consist of following parts
1. Cylindrical cell or Reaction Vessel
2. Magnetic Stirrer
3. Inlet and Outlet for Waste water and Solutions.
4.3.1 Experimental Setup for Fenton Process
Fe Salts or Solution H2O2
Input
Output

4.3.2 Experimental setup for Electrocoagulation

1. Glass Vessel (Reaction Vessel).
2. Electrodes.
3. Magnetic Stirrer.
Positive (+)
DC Supply
Negative (-)
Regulator
01
02
03

1. The electrochemical cell (Reaction Vessel) – make by borosil glass beaker having
capacity 5-10 liter.
2.Electrode (4 Electrode) Ferrous/ Aluminum/ Copper (plate) Ferrous/ Aluminum/
Copper plate were cut into required sizes [200×75×3mm] or [300×100×5mm for 5- or
10-liter glass beaker and gap between two plates 2.5-3 cm. holes will be provide
upper end of the plate for electricity connection.
3. DC voltage regulator.
4. Magnetic stirrer or mechanical stirrer.
5. Input and output to the cell.
6. Thermometers.
7. Storage tanks for input and output collections
4.4 Stepwise procedure carried out for combined Fenton and

Electrocoagulation Treatment Process
Treatment procedure of waste water was carried out at ambient temperature in the
following sequential steps.
1. Waste water sample was put in a storage tank vessel.
2. Check the all parameters of waste water BOD, COD, TDS, pH, TSS.
3. The scheduled Fe2+ dosage was achieved by adding the necessary amount and
Fenton Agent add 1:1 proportion of H2O2.
4. A known 600-900 mg/l volume of 35% (w/w) H2O2 solution was added in a
single step.
5. Start agitation for reaction time of 90 min.
6. After 90 min pass this waste water in the tank of electrocoagulation cell.
7. There are two Electrocoagulation cell vessels on with 6 V DC and other 12 V
DC regulator connection.
8. Pass the 4-liter waste water in each cell.
9. Start the supply for electrode.
10. Take the samples from each cell of time of intervals 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 75, 105
and 120 min.
11. Check the all parameters COD, TDS, SS with time of intervals as above.

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After collecting the samples of waste water and giving treatment from all the three
methods for every 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105- and 120-minutes interval and 6V DC
current. following are results obtained for all the parameters values.
Observation Table 5.1
Fenton and Electro Coagulation Method Combine Treatment
Current DC
Sample Time % COD % SS % TDS
No Min (Voltage) Reduction Reduction Removal
1 30 6 22 8 12
2 45 6 27 16 20
3 60 6 35 26 25
4 75 6 45 32 36
5 90 6 58 42 48
6 105 6 68 48 65
7 120 6 72 62 75

Graph 5.1
80
70
60
50
% TDS Reduction
40
% COD Reduction
% SS Reduction
30
20
10
0
30 45 60 75 90 105 120

After collecting the samples of waste water and giving treatment from all the
three methods for every 30, 45, 60 ,75 ,90, 105- and 120-minutes interval and 12V
DC current. following are results obtained for all the parameters values.
Table no 5.2
Fenton and Electro Coagulation Method Combine Treatment
Current
Sample Time % COD % SS % TDS
No Min (Voltage) Reduction Reduction Removal
1 30 12 27 26 24
2 45 12 35 32 36
3 60 12 55 45 48
4 75 12 68 62 65
5 90 12 72 70 78
6 105 12 78 76 82
7 120 12 90 88 92

100
90
80
70
60
% TDS Reduction
50
% COD Reduction
40 % SS Reduction
30
20
10
0
30 45 60 75 90 105 120

6. CONCLUSION
1. The Fenton and Electro coagulation combine method for waste water
treatment shows better results over the conventional method.
2. Waste water treated with this method can be directly use for the process.
3. The combine method can be used as a tertiary treatment to waste water.
4. The other parameters such as TDS, COD, BOD shows effective changes over
conventional method.
5. According to the results analysis the treatment is better for treatment process
of hospital waste.
6. There is complete mineralization of organic matter.
7. There is no need for any processing units on the surface.
8. This process reduces organic loading in terms of chemical oxygen demand and
done the removal of recalcitrant and toxic pollutants thus allowing for further
conventional biological treatment.
9. This process is a relatively economical method since it requires no additional
energy when compared to many other AOPs and both iron and hydrogen
peroxide are relatively cheap and safe.
10. The reactions are efficient at low pH-levels (<6) - which is difficult to
maintain.
11. The Process can be used as a tertiary treatment to waste water.
12. The other parameters such as TDS, COD, TSS shows effective changes over
conventional method.

7. SCOPE AND BENEFITS

Future Scope
1. Fenton and Electro coagulation can be adopted to treat waste water.
2. To improve the efficiency of conventional method this process can be used as an
additional treatment to treat waste water.
3. The combine of this process can directly apply to the waste water treatment with
high efficiency.
4. The combine process can be use as advanced treatment process.
System capabilities:
• Removes heavy metals;
• Removes suspended and colloidal solids;
• Destabilizes oil and other emulsions;
• Removes fats, oils and grease;
• Removes complex organics; and
• Destroys and removes bacteria, viruses and cysts.
Benefits:
• Treats multiple contaminants;
• Sludge minimization;
• Capital cost significantly less than conservative technologies;
• Operating cost significantly less than conservative technologies;
• Low power requirements;
• Generally, no chemical additions;
• Low maintenance;
• Minimal operator attention
• Consistent and reliable results.

8. COST ESTIMATION
Material Required for the lab experiment
Sr. No. Material Cost in Rs.
01 Storage tank (2) 950
02 Glass tank (2) 2300
03 Agitator with Motor 1050
04 Pipe Fittings 450
05 Stand with Fabrication 2500
06 Adaptor 12 V DC (2) 950
07 Adaptor 6 V DC (1) 350
08 Fe Electrode Plate with fitting in 550

vessel ( 4 )
Total Cost. 9100

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HOSPITAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT BY COMBINE

FENTONE (AOP) AND ELECTRO COAGULATION PROCESS

Numerous wastewater constituents are persistent to biodegradation or they are

Due to rapid growth of population and industrialization the requirement of

Necessity of wastewater treatment

1. Protection of the Environment from pollution

2. Protection of Human Health by harmful effect

3. Avoid Shortage of the Water for Domestic as well as Industrial use

4. Save the Earth life

5. Increasing awareness about the environment

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 1

There are three major treatment option of treatment of process industry

1. Onsite treatment on factory waste water treatment plant-

Onsite treatment method of waste water treatment is requiring waste water

2. Discharge to the nearby sewage treatment plant-

3. The site removal of semisolid and special wastes by waste disposal

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 2

Irreversible damages to the environment due to the wastewater and also

According to the water standard wastewater should be treated properly to

For security of environment there is a need of more cost-effective methods to

Most of challenging tasks faced by scientists and engineers today is to provide

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 3

The followings are the various goals of waste water treatment

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 4

Sources of the hospital waste

Hospital wastewater effluents discharge in environment may cause serious threat

Growing concern over bio-medical waste management in India, less attention is

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 5

Waste generated from various sources of pollution in the hospital include

1.2 Environmental and Health Risk

Hospital waste as toxicity to sewer networks

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 6

6. The presence of chlorinated molecules in high concentrations and presence of

According to above all statements hospital effluent has to be treated before

In wastewater treatment process coagulation is one of the important Physico-

Destabilization of colloidal systems by the addition of ions of the charge

Coagulation can be achieved by both the chemical or electrical means.

Presently used processes like coagulation flocculation’s, ion exchange,

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 7

After treatment hospital wastewater can be used for agriculture or gardening

After circulation electric current in the reactor electro coagulation occurs. In

1.3.1 Types of coagulation process

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 8

Chemical coagulation is also becoming increasingly less acceptable and disposal

Electro coagulation mechanism resembles the chemical coagulation - the cationic

Treatment process of electro coagulation technology is a of applying electrical

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 9

1.3.2 Comparison between chemical coagulation and electro

1. Chemical coagulation has been 1. Electro coagulation- the passing

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 10

Followings are the parts of Electro coagulation process

In water and wastewater treatment electro coagulation (EC) is an emerging

The use of Al based sludge seem to induce neurotoxicity. In this non-faradic

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 11

1.3.3 Following are the stepwise process electro coagulation process

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 12

EC process involves three successive stages:

The destabilization mechanism of the contaminants, particulate suspension, and

By using Faraday’s law shows the relationship between current density

W = the amount of dissolution of electrode (g of M/cm2)

I= Current density (A/cm2)

Dr. V.V. PATIL POLY. LONI. Page 13

M = Relative molar mass of the electrode

n = no. of electrons in oxidation/reduction reaction