A modern AOP for getting rid of dissolved organics (COD and TOC)
ELECTROX is commonly known as Electrochemical oxidation (EO). It is an advanced method for breaking down organic pollutants using electricity to create powerful oxidizing substances like hydroxyl radicals (•OH). These radicals react with pollutants at the anode surface, breaking them down into harmless substances or completely mineralizing them. When compared to different traditional treatment methods, EO has numerous benefits. Most importantly, it degrades the tough pollutants effectively that are hard to remove using other methods. Next, it doesn’t require the addition of extra chemicals, making it more environmentally friendly. Additionally, EO systems are designed to be compact and modular, allowing for flexible installation. Furthermore, they come with relatively low operational costs, making them cost-effective solutions for wastewater treatment. Finally, EO systems can potentially be set up directly at the wastewater source, offering on-site treatment options.
The electrochemical oxidation process follows several key steps. Firstly, an electrolytic cell is set up with an anode and a cathode, immersed in the wastewater to be treated. The choice of anode material, such as boron-doped diamond or mixed metal oxides, is important for the process’s efficiency.
Once the cell is operational and an electric potential is applied, oxidation reactions occur at the anode, producing reactive oxygen species like hydroxyl radicals. These radicals then react with and break down the organic pollutants present in the wastewater.
Simultaneously, reduction reactions take place at the cathode, often resulting in the formation of hydrogen gas or the reduction of dissolved oxygen.
The treated wastewater, now containing reduced levels of organic pollutants, is collected. Depending on the requirements, it may undergo additional polishing steps before being discharged into the environment or reused.