Optimization of electrochemical process for phenanthrene removal from aqueous medium by Taguchi

ABSTRACT

Discharge of refinery effluents containing phenanthrene (Phe) may exert carcinogenic effects on aquatic organisms. The aim of the current investigation was to investigate electrochemical removal of Phe from urban drinking water using a batch reactor. Phe removal efficiency was examined under different operating conditions including current density (1–8 mA/cm²), electrode composition materials such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), steel (AS), or zinc (Zn), pH (4–10), and duration (20–60 min). Phe concentration was determined utilizing standard techniques. Steel–Steel (AS–AS) as anode–cathode electrodes resulted in the least Phe removal (not detected), while Zn–Cu anode–cathode electrodes produced the highest Phe removal (100%) under similar experimental conditions. The increase in current density from 1 to 8 mA/cm² at optimum electrode and pH enhanced Phe removal from 56% to 100%. The rise in duration from 20 to 60 min at optimum electrode and pH increased Phe removal from 32% to 100%. These findings indicated that Phe removal efficiency was elevated with increasing current density, electrolysis time, and pH. Batch experiments indicated that the electrochemical reactor might be effective in removing Phe from drinking water.

KEYWORDS:

• Drinking water
• electrochemical
• electrolysis
• phenanthrene
• Taguchi model

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the Department Environmental Health of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch and Water Purification Research Centre, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University for financial and instrumental supports.

Disclosure statement

Water treatment filed is the most important interest's author.

Additional information

Funding

Department Environmental Health of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch and Water Purification Research Centre, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University.