Decolorization of synthetic effluent containing Crystal Violet using Electrocoagulation process containing steel wool-platinum electrodes

Electrocoagulation process is one of the most effective treatment methods at among of the oxidation processes due to its unique properties such as simple design and extensive application for treating of industrial wastewater. To promote this process, different ways have been proposed. In this study, the electrocoagulation process was incremented by the placement of steel wool and platinum electrodes and its potential was evaluated by decolorization of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous solution.

the colored solution was prepared from CV powder by its dissolution in distillated water. Spectrophotometric method (600 nm) was used to determine the color content. Electrocoagulation experiments were conducted in a 1000 mL backer and at a batch method. To evaluate the kinetic studies, first and second order models were used. Toxicity tests were also performed using coliform bacteria to ensure the reduction of crystal violet toxicity.

The results showed that the process could remove the colored solution with a high percentage rate about 99.63% under optimal conditions (pH 9, time of 60 minutes, applied current 0.4 amperes and color concentration about 200 mg/L). The microbial toxicity test also indicated that the treated wastewater in this method can be reused or discharged in the environment.

Based on the results, the electrocoagulation with steel wool-platinum electrode arrangement can be effectively used in the treatment of color containing industrial wastewater.