Studies on various operating parameters for the removal of COD from pulp and paper industry using electrocoagulation process

Abstract

This study describes a batch electrocoagulation process for treating pulp and paper industry wastewater using iron plates. The effect of various operating parameters such current density, initial effluent pH, initial COD concentration, electrode combination and interelectrode distance on the removal of percentage COD and power consumption were investigated. The experimental results showed that 85% COD removal with 5.16 kWh/m³ of power consumption was observed for initial COD concentration of 2,500 ppm with current density of 0.40 A/dm², initial effluent pH of 7.0 with interelectrode distance 1 cm at the end of the 120 min of operation. It was observed that, an increase in current density, decrease in the effluent COD concentration, Fe/Fe electrode combination, and decrease in interelectrode distance improved the COD removal efficiency. Optimum initial effluent pH for highest COD removal was 7.0. Furthermore in this investigation, extraction of lignin from the pulp and paper industrial effluent also carried out and analyzed by FT-IR system.

Keywords:

• Pulp and paper industry
• Lignin
• Electrocoagulation
• COD and power consumption