Electrochemical oxidation of pharmaceutical effluent using cast iron electrode.

ABSTRACT

Electrochemical oxidation of low (BOD/COD) ratio pharmaceutical wastewater was investigated in this study, using cast iron electrode. The batch experimental results were assessed in terms of COD and BOD concentration while the recalcitrance was monitored in terms of change in the (BOD/COD) ratio during the process. The effects of operating parameters like pH, electrolysis duration and current density were studied on the treatment efficiency and their operating ranges were experimentally determined. The efficiency and energy consumption of anode were estimated. Cast iron electrode has been found to be effective in removing 72% COD after 2hours of electrolysis. In particular, it was found that the (BOD/COD) ratio had improved from 0.18 to 0.3 after 120 min. of electrolysis indicating improvement of biodegradability of wastewater. It has been found, the pharmaceutical wastewater could be effectively pretreated by anodic oxidation.