Electrocoagulation Process for Wastewater Treatment

Electrocoagulation (EC) is an effective and emerging technique for the treatment of various types of wastewaters due to its unique adaptability, simple design, low cost, and environmental compatibility. This technique uses direct current between the metal electrodes immersed in the wastewater, which leads to the dissolution of electrode plates, releasing metal ions that destabilize and coagulate contaminants for subsequent removal. The performance of EC is influenced by various factors, including electrode material, pH, current density, temperature, and time. Despite its advantages, large-scale industrial application of EC requires further optimization of these key parameters and the development of reliable process models. This manuscript also reviews recent advancements in EC technology, such as EC-biological treatment, EC-chemical coagulation, photovoltaic-EC, and EC-membrane hybrid systems. Owing to its high pollutant removal efficiency, environmental sustainability, ease of operation, and relatively low automation cost, EC shows strong potential as a future wastewater treatment technology.