Investigation on effect of chitosan aid in removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions by electrocoagulation process using aluminum electrode

Presence of humic acids in drinkable water resources as a precursor can lead to the formation of disinfection by products. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan as an effective coagulant with low cost in the electrocoagulation process with aluminum electrode for removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions. In this experimental study, electrocoagulation experiments with the aluminum electrode were studied in pH range of 2-10, in the presence and absence of chitosan. Moreover, the effects of pH values, current density parameters, initial humic acid concentrations, and various concentrations of chitosan as coagulant aid in the electrocoagulation process were investigated in a batch reactor. The used pilot made of plexiglass and equipped with an electricity generator device. Humic acid concentrations were determined by spectrophotometer. A current density equal to 20 mA/cm2 and PH equal to 6 was obtained as the optimal conditions for the removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions in presence and absences of chitosan. The presence of chitosan in concentration of 2.5 mg/l as a coagulant aid in electrocoagulation process led to remove the maximum amount of humic acid (90%). Chitosan has acted as an appropriate and effective coagulant aid in the electrocoagulation process with the aluminum electrode. Moreover, it can increase the efficiency of coagulation processes in removing humic acid natural substances.