Comparison of Electro-Coagulation and Photo-Oxidation UV/O3 Processes in Removal of Acid Blue 113

Every day million liters of dye wastewater is produced in different industries that cause environmental problems. The purpose of this research was to investigate the possibility of Acid Blue 113 removal، which is one of the most consumed textile dyes، by using electro-coagulation and photo-oxidation UV/O3 processes in batch condition. Iron electrodes were used and the effect of current density، electrolysis time، pH، initial dye and electrolyte concentrations on dye removal were evaluated. Regarding photo-oxidation UV/O3 process، parameters including ozone dosage، light power، time، pH and dye concentration were determined and optimized. The results in the optimum conditions showed that in the electro-coagulation method، over 90 percent of 100 mg/L dye was removed after 5 minutes in the applied current density of 44 mA/m2، pH of 6. 5 and electrolyte concentration of 3 g/L. However، in the photo-oxidation UV/O3 process، only 70 percent of 15 mg/L dye was removed after 15 minutes in pH of 9، 4 g/h of ozone and 15 mW/cm2 of power. According to the results، electro-coagulation method had better capability in comparison to photo-oxidation UV/O3 process. Although، the first method was operated with simple equipments and was more economical but had still sludge producing remained. Therefore، according to the type of industry، the proper method should be selected.