Electrochemical treatment of industrial effluents - alternative for contaminants removal and H2 obtainment

ABSTRACT The electrochemical treatment as an alternative technological resource for the treatment of industrial effluents has attracted considerable attention through the last years because of important characteristics such as easy automation, high efficiency and versatility in a short period of time besides requiring less physical space for its units. As the electron is the main “reagent” in an electrochemical process, the use of chemicals is reduced. This and the possibility of using coproducts generated during the electrochemical treatment processes configure relevant opportunities in the actual global energy and sustainability scenario. These technologies may include the use of renewable energy sources such as Hydrogen, a cathodic coproduct of great ambiental and economical interest that could be obtained and stored. In this context, the selection of electrodes materials, especially those for anodic steps, are fundamental. The efficiency and sustainability of the electrochemical processes relies on materials with properties such as low electrochemical impedance and high corrosion resistance besides high electro activity for the oxidation of the compounds of interest. The purpose of this article is to present some of the results of the electrochemical treatment developed by Labcorr aiming the removal of NH3-N and COD from industrial effluents. Electrochemical techniques were used for anodic and cathodic materials selection. The use of NaOCl as indirect oxidant was evaluated. Results indicated that a parallel plate reactor with DSA anodes and carbon steel cathodes and NaOCl injections at the beginning of the treatment process and in an intermediary point was an effective configuration for the removal of the compounds of interest. There is also a good indication of the possibility of nitrite and Hydrogen obtainment. The former could be used as corrosion inhibitor and the later as an energy source for the electrochemical treatment system in a semi-autonomous way.