ABSTRACT Schematic representation and experimental overview of electrocoagulation (EC) treatment of distillery spentwash using aluminum electrodes (Al–Al plain, Al punched, and Al anodized). The setup includes a DC power supply connected to electrodes immersed in wastewater, showing the EC reactor during operation. Insets display electrode types, treated samples with visible color reduction, and sludge formation. Key operating parameters highlighted include voltage, electrode distance, electrolysis time, and anodization thickness. Electrochemical reactions at anode and cathode are illustrated. The graphical abstract emphasizes process optimization leading to high color and COD removal efficiency, with superior performance observed for anodized aluminum electrodes. Electrocoagulation (EC) is a wastewater treatment option, emphasizing its environmental friendliness, dense footprint, quick setup, and versatility. It looks at the key EC operational parameters and how they relate to conventional chemical coagulation, which are essential to comprehending the mechanism of pollutant removal. The study emphasizes the necessity of additional investigation to construct models for industrial-scale application and optimize process parameters. The distillery spentwash underwent a diagnostic description using standard analytical techniques, with treatment outcomes analyzed in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal efficiency. Various operational parameters, viz. voltage, electrode distance, electrolysis time, and anodization thickness, were investigated, and optimization was carried out using the response surface method. pH and stirring speed were maintained at constant levels of 7 and 500 rpm, respectively. The highest removal efficiencies were achieved under optimal conditions: 150-min electrolysis time, 25 V, electrode distance of 2 cm, and anodization thickness of 5 μm. Under these optimized conditions, the responses were estimated as follows 93.025% (color) and 89.896% (COD) removal efficiency in the Al-anodized electrode. Comparison among the three electrodes, namely Al -Al, Al punched, and Al anodized, indicated that the maximum pollutants removal was observed with the Al-anodized electrode.
T. et al. (Fri,) studied this question.