Title: Electrochemical oxidation of wastewater containing aromatic amines using a flow electrolytic reactor

Authors: Peterson B. Moraes; Rodnei Bertazzoli; Ederio Dino Bidoia

Addresses: Department of Technologies for Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Technology (FT), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), CEP: 13484-332, Limeira, SP, Brazil ' Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Mendeleiev, s/n, P.O. Box 6122, CEP: 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil ' Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, IB, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

Abstract: Aromatic amines are environmental pollutants and represent one of the most important classes of industrial and natural chemicals. Some types of complex effluents containing these chemical species, mainly those originated from chemicals plants are not fully efficiently treated by conventional processes. In this work, the use of electrochemical technology through an electrolytic pilot scale flow reactor is considered for treatment of wastewater of a chemical industry manufacturer of antioxidant and anti-ozonant substances used in rubber. Experimental results showed that was possible to remove between 65% and 95% of apparent colour and chemical oxygen demand removal between 30 and 90% in 60 min of treatment, with energy consumption rate from 26 kWh m³ to 31 kWh m³. Absorbance, total organic carbon and toxicity analyses resulted in no formation of toxic by-products. The results suggest that the presented electrochemical process is a suitable method for treating this type of wastewater, mainly when pre-treated by aeration.

Keywords: electrolytic treatment; DPA degradation; industrial wastewater; DSA electrodes; aromatic amines electro-oxidation; flow electrochemical reactors; organic pollutants; wastewater treatment; water pollution; chemical industry; antioxidants; anti-ozonant substances; rubber manufacturing; colour removal; chemical oxygen demand; COD removal; absorbance; total organic carbon; toxicity; aeration pretreatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2013.053174

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2013 Vol.51 No.1/2, pp.1 - 14

Accepted: 27 Jan 2011
Published online: 28 Feb 2014 *

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