Elimination of Copper from Wastewater Arising from Metal Plating Through Electrocoagulation

Salim, Ahmed; Bouari, A. El; Tahiri, M.; Tanane, O.

doi:10.22034/abec.2024.716156

Elimination of Copper from Wastewater Arising from Metal Plating Through Electrocoagulation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ahmed Salim ¹

A. El Bouari ¹

M. Tahiri ²

O. Tanane ¹

¹ Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, Ben M'Sick Faculty of Science, Hassan II University - Casablanca, Morocco

² Organic Synthesis, Extraction and Valorization Laboratory, Ain Chok Faculty of Science, Hassan II University - Casablanca, Morocco

10.22034/abec.2024.716156

Abstract

The pollution of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals poses a significant and immediate environmental threat worldwide. Industrial operations often result in the direct discharge of effluents into rivers, lakes, and ponds, leading to the contamination of these water bodies. Subsequently, these pollutants can percolate into groundwater systems through a range of transport mechanisms. Although certain heavy metals play essential roles in the metabolic processes of organisms, their elevated concentrations in aquatic environments present substantial risks, disrupting ecological balance and potentially affecting human health. This study examines the process of copper (Cu) removal from wastewater using electrocoagulation techniques. The research found that the effectiveness of copper extraction increased with extended electrocoagulation times, higher concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), and elevated applied electric currents. The most efficient removal was achieved under optimal conditions, which is defined as an average pH level of about 4 and a current of 2 A , and a duration of electrolysis set at 60 minutes.

Keywords

Wastewater

Heavy metals

Electrocoagulation

Copper

Electric currents

Subjects