Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water by Electrocoagulation

Abstract

Arsenic contamination is an enormous worldwide problem. Arsenic occurs in both inorganic and organic forms. Individuals with longtime exposure to arsenic develop the symptoms of arsenic poisoning. Among several options available for removal of arsenic from water, electrocoagulation (EC) is a very promising electrochemical treatment technique that does not require the addition of chemicals or regeneration. In the present study electrocoagulation has been evaluated as a treatment technology for arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] removal from water. The experiments were carried out with three electrode materials namely, iron, aluminum and stainless steel to assess their efficiency in batch & continues mode. Effect of pH, electric potential and electrode material has been varied in order to optimize the operating parameters. 98% arsenic removal efficiency was achieved at pH, electric potential, with Fe- SS electrode.