Effect of some operational parameters on the arsenic removal by electrocoagulation using iron electrodes

Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a global problem that will likely become more apparent in future yearsas scientists and engineers measure the true extent of the problem. arsenic poisoning is preventable though asthere are several methods for easily removing even trace amounts of arsenic from drinking water. in the presentstudy, electrocoagulation was evaluated as a treatment technology for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions. theeffects of parameters such as initial ph, current density, initial concentration, supporting electrolyte type and stirringspeed on removal efficiency were investigated. it has been observed that initial ph was highly effective on thearsenic removal efficiency. the highest removal efficiency was observed at initial ph = 4. the obtained experimentalresults showed that the efficiency of arsenic removal increased with increasing current density and decreased withincreasing arsenic concentration in the solution. supporting electrolyte had not significant effects on removal,adding supporting electrolyte decreased energy consumption. the effect of stirring speed on removal efficiencywas investigated and the best removal efficiency was at the 150 rpm. under the optimum conditions of initial ph 4,current density of 0.54 ma/cm2, stirring speed of 150 rpm, electrolysis time of 30 minutes, removal was obtained as99.50%. energy consumption in the above conditions was calculated as 0.33 kwh/m3. electrocoagulation with ironelectrodes was able to bring down 50 mg/l arsenic concentration to less than 10 ?g/l at the end of electrolysistime of 45 minutes with low electrical energy consumption as 0.52 kwh/m3.