Review of pollutants removed by electrocoagulation and electrocoagulation/flotation processes

The word “electrocoagulation” (EC) will be sometimes used with “electroflotation” (EF) and can be considered as the electrocoagulation/flotation (ECF) process. Through the process of electrolysis, coagulating agents such as metal hydroxides are produced. When aluminium electrodes are used, the aluminium dissolves at the anode and hydrogen gas is released at the cathode. The coagulating agent combines with the pollutants to form large size flocs. As the bubbles rise to the top of the tank they adhere to particles suspended in the water and float them to the surface. In fact, a conceptual framework of the overall ECF process is linked to coagulant generation, pollutant aggregation, and pollutant removal by flotation and settling when it has been applied efficiently to various water and wastewater treatment processes. This review paper considers a significant number of common applications of EC and ECF processes which have been published in journal and conference papers.     

Column Flotation Deinking: State-of-the-art and opportunities

Flotation is a critical process step for ink removal from recycled paper. Column flotation is a specific form of flotation that has grown in popularity recently. Extensive efforts during the past four decades to improve the flotation deinking operation sought an optimum blend of technological parameters, physico-chemical aspects and economical process conditions. With increasing demand to recover and recycle waste paper due to ecological and economical concerns, there is a need for an improved process and therefore for in-depth understanding of the mechanism and fundamental factors involved in the efficiency and economics of the deinking process. This paper reviews the progress made in the last decade (2000–2010) in deinking hydrodynamics, various measurement techniques, scale-up and design criterion.     

Surface water and wastewater treatment using a new tannin-based coagulant. Pilot plant trials

A new tannin-based coagulant-flocculant (Tanfloc) was tested for water treatment at a pilot plant level. Four types of water sample were treated: surface water (collected from a river), and municipal, textile industry (simulated by a 100 mg L^?1 aqueous solution of an acid dye), and laundry (simulated by a 50 mg L^?1 aqueous solution of an anionic surfactant) wastewaters. The pilot plant process consisted of coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration. The experiments were carried out with an average coagulant dosage of 92.2 mg L^?1 (except in the case of the surface water for which the dosage was 2 mg L^?1). The efficacy of the water purification was notable in every case: total turbidity removal in the surface water and municipal wastewater, about 95% dye removal in the case of the textile industry wastewater, and about 80% surfactant removal in the laundry wastewater. Filtration improved the removal of suspended solids, both flocs and turbidity, and slightly improved the process as a whole. The efficiency of Tanfloc in these pilot studies was similar to or even better than that obtained in batch trials.     

A study on recovery of oil from sludge containing oil using froth flotation

Induced air flotation was used to recover oil from synthetically prepared sludge containing oil. A commercial surfactant was used as the collector and frother. The effects of various parameters, namely flotation time, initial amount of oil in the feed and the amount of surfactant used on the recovery of oil were investigated. Within the range of operating conditions studied herein, the maximum oil recovery obtained was about 55%. A detailed study of flotation kinetics based on oil recovery was carried out. It showed that the process followed first-order kinetics.     

絮凝- 电气浮法处理乳化油废水

含乳化油废水由于表面活性剂的存在处理难度较大。通过絮凝——电气浮方法处理乳化油废水,确定絮凝及絮凝——电气浮所需的最佳絮凝剂用量;通过正交试验考察了pH值、电流密度、电极间距及气浮时间等操作参数的影响,得到絮凝一电气浮的最优操作条件为电流密度为20．83A／m^2,电极间距为1cm,pH值为7．4。在聚合硫酸铁投加量为50mg／L,电气浮30min时COD去除率可达95．2％。此方法对轴承厂废水的COD去除率可达75％,出水COD可降至91．9mg／L。结果表明用这种方法处理乳化油废水是可行的。     

Effect of two-stage sodium hydroxide pretreatment on the composition and structure of Napier grass (Pakchong 1) (Pennisetum purpureum)

ABSTRACT

Sodium hydroxide is ideal in removing lignin from lignocellulosic materials at an effective operational cost. Two-stage NaOH pretreatment was employed herein to investigate lignin and hemicellulose removal and understand the morphology of Napier grass (Pakchong 1) (Pennisetum purpureum), which is considered lignocellulosic due to its high carbohydrate content. NaOH was used at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt.%) and presoak times (1, 2, 3, and 4 h). The results demonstrated that 3 wt.% NaOH at 121°C without presoak resulted in 83.5% lignin removal, with a cellulose to lignin ratio of 3.0. Moreover, the treated samples showed cracking and irregular patterns at optimal conditions.     

Experimental energy and exergy analyses of a discharging heat exchanger for a small hot-oil domestic storage tank

Experiments are described to investigate the thermal performance of a discharging heat exchanger for a small storage tank filled with oil. Experimental results are presented in terms of the discharging energy rates (power) and the discharging exergy rates for low (~4 ml/s) and high discharging flow rates (~8 ml/s). Water heating energy rates, which are respectively maximized at approximately 600 W and 1200 W at low and high flow-rate discharging, are found to be higher than the discharging energy rates, which are respectively maximized at 450 W and 900 W. These results indicate that the energy rates do not accurately evaluate the thermal performance of the discharging heat exchanger since the energy heating rate of the water is greater than that for the oil that heats it, which is thermodynamically inconsistent. The energy rates should thus be used with caution when the thermal performance of the heat exchanger is evaluated. Water heating exergy rates, which are respectively maximized at approximately 45 W and 130 W at low and high flow-rate discharging, are generally smaller than the discharging exergy rates, which are respectively maximized at 65 W and 170 W. Exergy rate results are thus more consistent in the physical process of water heating, and an exergy factor is suggested as a proper measure for evaluating the performance of the discharging heat exchanger. The maximum value of the exergy factor is found to increase from 0.15 at low flow rates to a maximum value of approximately 0.19 at high flow rates. This implies that to extract more energy from a storage tank to a discharging heat exchanger, the flow rate has to be high, which is consistent with the physical process of heating water faster to higher temperatures. The exergy factor can thus be used as a design parameter for discharging heat exchangers.     

Effect of template in MCM-41 on the adsorption of aniline from aqueous solution

The effect of the surfactant template cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in MCM-41 on the adsorption of aniline was investigated. Various MCM-41 samples were prepared by controlling template removal using an extraction method. The samples were then used as adsorbents for the removal of aniline from aqueous solution. The results showed that the MCM-41 samples with the template partially removed (denoted as C-MCM-41) exhibited better adsorption performance than MCM-41 with the template completely removed (denoted as MCM-41). The reason for this difference may be that the C-MCM-41 samples had stronger hydrophobic properties and selectivity for aniline because of the presence of the template. The porosity and cationic sites generated by the template play an important role in the adsorption process. The optimal adsorbent with moderate template was achieved by changing the ratio of extractant; it has the potential for promising applications in the field of water pollution control.     

浮选机从采油污水中除油的若干问题

浮选机应用过程中出现了一些问题,有的已停用、报废,以至拆除。文中分析了各方面的因素,例如：机械方面的问题、液面高度失控问题、浮选除油的影响因素、以及浮选除油的附带作用等。总体来说,浮选机除油的效果是肯定的,通过改进其性能,处理效果还能提高,出现的问题都不难解决。所以,浮选机的应用还是一种值得考虑的除油方法。     

沉淀浮选法处理矿山含重金属废水技术初探

本文介绍了一种新的废水处理技术－沉淀浮选法处理矿山含重金属废水的性能，并对其净化机理作了探讨，还将其与传统的化学沉淀净化法作了比较，为矿山废水的治理及综合利用指出了一条切实可行的新途径。     

Removal of Cr(VI) from Cr-contaminated groundwater through electrochemical addition of Fe(II)

The conventional chemical reduction-precipitation technique in the removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated groundwater involves a two-step process whereby Cr(VI) is first reduced to Cr(III) at an acidic pH by a reducing agent and in a subsequent step, Cr(III) is precipitated as insoluble hydroxide at an alkaline pH. In a variation of this method, Fe(II) is added electrochemically to the Cr(VI) containing water. From a pure iron electrode, Fe(2+) ions are released into the solution and bring forth the reduction of Cr(VI). At the cathode, H(2)O is reduced whereby the OH(-) ions entering the solution keep the pH of the solution in the alkaline range. This latter fact greatly facilitates simultaneous reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and co-precipitation of hydroxides of trivalent Cr and Fe. On the basis of a set of experimental data, it is shown that this process is both thermodynamically and kinetically efficient, meaning, with the electrochemical method, rapid and nearly complete removal of Cr(VI) from a groundwater source with both high and low levels of Cr-contamination can be achieved. These factors make the electrochemical process superior to the conventional chemical process in remediation of Cr-contaminated groundwater.     

Leaching characteristics of copper flotation waste before and after vitrification

Copper flotation waste from copper production using a pyrometallurgical process contains toxic metals such as Cu, Zn, Co and Pb. Because of the presence of trace amounts of these highly toxic metals, copper flotation waste contributes to environmental pollution. In this study, the leaching characteristics of copper flotation waste from the Black Sea Copper Works in Samsun, Turkey have been investigated before and after vitrification. Samples obtained from the factory were subjected to toxicity tests such as the extraction procedure toxicity test (EP Tox), the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and the "method A" extraction procedure of the American Society of Testing and Materials. The leaching tests showed that the content of some elements in the waste before vitrification exceed the regulatory limits and cannot be disposed of in the present form. Therefore, a stabilization or inertization treatment is necessary prior to disposal. Vitrification was found to stabilize heavy metals in the copper flotation waste successfully and leaching of these metals was largely reduced. Therefore, vitrification can be an acceptable method for disposal of copper flotation waste.     

PHOSPHATE IN WATERS: I. REDUCTION USING NORTHERN LIGNITE FLY ASH1

Fly ashes fiom lignite coal fixed steam electric plants contain appreciable amounts of materials that can, in principle, decrease the phosphorus concentration in surface waters. Typical samples of un-weathered fly ash were used to test efficacies of removal of phosphorus from standard phosphate solutions and actual lake water samples. The effects of changing parameters such as contact time, pH, fly ash/water ratios, and solution temperature are presented. Water soluble and insoluble factors in the ash both appear to be reactive constituents. Trials with municipal waste waters showed near quantitative removal of ortho-phosphate.     

The removal of lignin and phenol from paper mill effluents by electrocoagulation

This study aims to investigate the treatment of paper mill effluents using electrocoagulation. Removal of lignin, phenol, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) from paper mill effluents was investigated at various current intensities by using different electrodes (Al and Fe) and at various electrolysis times (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5min). It was observed that the experiments carried out at 12V, an electrolysis time of 2min and a current intensity of 77.13mA were sufficient for the removal of these pollutants with each electrode. The removal capacities of the process using an Al electrode were 80% of lignin, 98% of phenol, 70% of BOD, and 75% of COD after 7.5min. Using an Fe electrode the removal capacities were 92%, 93%, 80% and 55%, respectively. In addition, it was found that removal of lignin, phenol, BOD and COD increased with increasing current intensity. In the experiments carried out at different current intensities, higher removal can be explained through a decrease in intra-resistance of solution and consequently an increase at the transfer speed of organic species to electrodes. It was also found that Al electrode performs higher efficiency than Fe electrode except for COD removal. However, the time required for removal of BOD was more than that of COD. The results suggest that electrocoagulation could be considered as an effective alternative to paper mill effluents treatment.     

XDA-1型大孔吸附树脂对水中氯仿的吸附性能

研究了XDA-1型大孔吸附树脂对用自来水配制的低浓度溶液中氯仿的动态吸附能力,以及浓度、流速、温度和pH等因素对吸附过程的影响.结果显示,采用XDA-1大孔树脂吸附水中的氯仿,其吸附效率可达99%以上,泄漏点前的吸附量为160mg/ml.采用热空气热解吸方式回收氯仿,回收率达85%,为含氯仿工业废水的处理提出一种新的处理工艺.     

黄药废水处理的研究现状及展望

黄药是浮选金属硫化矿物应用最广、最有效的捕收剂,但其在选矿废水中的残留会对环境造成严重污染。黄药废水净化排放及回水利用不仅对环境有利,且符合选厂经济利益。本文主要介绍了近年来常用的黄药废水净化处理方法,并对未来黄药废水处理方向进行了展望,以其对黄药选矿废水的治理提供一定的参考价值。     

化学药剂对吸入式气浮净化机除油浮选动力学的影响

本研究在实验室装置上着重考察了化学药剂对吸入式气浮净化机除油浮选动力学的影响。研究结果表明化学药剂对浮选速率常数有明显影响,不同化学药剂及用量其影响效果不同。     

Combined effect of natural organic matter and surfactants on the apparent solubility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Both natural organic matter (NOM) and surfactants are known to enhance the apparent aqueous solubility of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in aqueous systems. In this study, the combined effect of NOM and surfactants on enhancing the solubility of HOCs was investigated, since both may occur and affect the fate and transport of HOCs in natural aqueous environments. Experimental results indicated that the apparent solubility of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene in NOM and anionic surfactant solution was lower than their solubility in NOM solution alone. However, the apparent solubility of an HOC in NOM and nonionic surfactant solution is almost the same as the sum of the HOC's solubility in NOM solution plus its solubility in nonionic surfactant solution. The observation that apparent aqueous solubility of HOCs in NOM and anionic surfactant solution is decreased is probably due to the fact that the cations that are released when the anionic surfactant dissociates may form ion pairs with acidic or phenolic groups associated with the NOM. This serves to increase the size of hydration of these groups, thereby decreasing the effective size of the nonpolar moieties associated with the NOM, and thus decreasing hydrophobic partitioning of the HOCs into the NOM. The results presented here will help us to understand the effect of NOM and surfactants on the fate and transport of HOCs in aquatic systems.     

Deinking of recycled pulps using column flotation: energy and environmental benefits

Deinking of recycled pulps is an important operation intended to provide pulps appropriate for making paper and paperboard products from recycled wastepaper. Conventionally, deinking of recycled pulp is conducted in a flotation cell equipped with an agitator. We have investigated the applicability of a new flotation cell based on a column without an agitator present to accomplish the deinking of typical wastepaper feedstocks and also a feedstock consisting of rejects from a conventional deinking cell. Experimental results on the deinking operation indicate that it is possible to achieve deinking of a mixture of photocopier and laserprinted paper in the column flotation cell. The performance of the column, as measured by the resultant pulp’s brightness and ink particle size distributions, is comparable to that of a conventional laboratory cell which incorporates severe agitation regimens. Thus, it is found that the agitator can be eliminated by using the column flotation design which could yield significant electrical energy savings in addition to savings in capital costs and other operational and maintenance costs. A series of deinking experiments were also performed on a feedstock consisting of rejected waste obtained from a conventional cell in a pilot plant. We found that deinking of the rejected waste could yield significant usable fiber. This indicates the potential of the column flotation technique in enhancing the reuse of a waste component thus reducing the volume of deinking waste rejected into the environment.     

Regeneration of industrial district wastewater using a combination of Fenton process and ion exchange—A case study

Regeneration studies of wastewater effluent from an organized industrial district (OID) for possible reuse in textile industry as process water was investigated. Advanced treatment methods including Fenton process, polyaluminium chloride (PAC) coagulation and ion exchange were applied on OID effluent. In Fenton process removal efficiencies for suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), SAC₄₃₆ (spectral absorption coefficient), SAC₅₂₅ and SAC₆₂₀ were determined 61%, 36%, 35%, 49% and 67%, respectively. After Fenton process, wastewater samples were coagulated with PAC. Optimum removal efficiencies for SS, COD, Fe ion, SAC₄₃₆, SAC₅₂₅ and SAC₆₂₀ were determined 83%, 18%, 93%, 32%, 36% and 58%, respectively. Ion exchange experiments were conducted on chemically coagulated wastewater samples to improve the quality of wastewater. Optimum dosage of resins was determined. The experiments revealed that 1:1 resin ratio (20 mL H-type resin:20 mL OH-type resin) gave the best removal rates for the parameters considered in this study. Study results indicated that quality of the wastewater was suitable for the process water characteristics of textile industry and unit wastewater treatment cost was determined as 2.54 €/m³.