Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Journal of Young Scientist", Vol. 4
Written by Anamaria-Georgeta MĂRGINEAN
The aims of the present paper was to investigate the possibility of using the electrocoagulation method (EC) for the removal of Ni2+ and Cr3+ ions from the wastewaters generated at an electroplating plant from Transylvania area. In he investigated wastewater samples, the concentration of Ni2+ and Cr3+ significantly exceeds the maximum consent limits established by Romanian Standard NTPA001/2002. The influence of the varying operating parameters, such as the applied current intensity (4,5 and 6 A), electrode material (Fe and Al) and the contact time (10 to 60 minutes) on the heavy metals removal was investigated. The results showed that the removal of the metals from electroplating wastewaters solution increases with increasing current density and operating time. Using iron electrodes, over 99.64% of nickel and 99.39% of chromium ions were removed efficiently by conducting the EC treatment at current intensity of 5A, pH of 8.09 and EC time of 60 min. By using aluminium electrodes, the removal efficiency of Ni2+ was 98.21%, at pH 6.02, a current intensity of 5A and an operation time of 60 min.
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