Development of compact electrocoagulation reactor system for the treatment of simulated wastewater containing pharmaceutical ibuprofen

• Main Author: Mission, Elaine Gabutin
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2010
• Subjects: Sewage—Purification—Electrodialysis process; Chemical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6644; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/12883/viewcontent/CDTG004869_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study was conducted to develop a compact electrocoagulation reactor system in the treatment of simulated wastewater containing the pharmaceutical ibuprofen. In addition, the effectiveness of locally available aluminum and galvanized electrodes was evaluated for the removal of COD and ibuprofen. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen (IBU), is one of the most commonly detected pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCP) in sewage treatment plant effluent and surface waters in several parts of the world. IBU in the parent form reaches the environmental compartment by means of flushing or bodily excretion. The increasing concern on the presence of PPCP residues such as ibuprofen in waterways is due to the findings of several studies that exposures of aquatic organisms to such substances could potentially damage community structures and harm the ecosystem because of the changes in their reproduction and survival patterns. The experiments were conducted within thirty (30) minutes in a 50-liter acrylic reactor with four monopolar plate electrodes to determine the effect of process parameters such as voltage input, initial pH and electrode pair for the removal of COD and IBU. In addition, the electrodes were characterized using Scanning electron microscope – Energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX) and sludge composition was determined using X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The experimental results revealed that the COD percentage removal was significantly affected by applied voltage. The use of Fe-Fe assembly at a pH of 6 and 21.4V was by far the most effective assembly A current efficiency of over 300% was achieved and electro-generated coagulants were of the same quality as those reported in literatures. Electrode surfaces were found to respond immediately to solution chemistry causing drastic changes in the surface including pitting corrosion. Residual Al and Fe in the effluent were below the allowable limits of PNSDW. This investigation indicated that the EC process may be a possible approach for the pretreatment of the pharmaceutical residue ibuprofen in wastewater.