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Optimization of electrocoagulation process for the simultaneous removal of mercury, lead, and nickel from contaminated water

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Abstract

Purpose and aim

The present study provides an optimization of electrocoagulation process for the simultaneous removal of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and nickel from water. In doing so, the thermodynamic, adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were also carried out.

Materials and methods

Magnesium alloy, magnesium, aluminum, and mild steel sheet of size 2 dm2 were used as anode and galvanized iron as cathode. To optimize the maximum removal efficiency, different parameters like effect of initial concentration, effect of temperature, pH, and effect of current density were studied. Mercury-, lead-, and nickel-adsorbed magnesium hydroxide coagulant was characterized by SEM and EDAX.

Results

The results showed that the maximum removal efficiency was achieved for mercury, lead, and nickel with magnesium alloy as anode and galvanized iron as cathode at a current density of 0.15 Å/dm2 and pH of 7.0. The adsorption of mercury, lead, and nickel are preferably fitting the Langmuir adsorption isotherm suggests monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules. The adsorption process follows second-order kinetics. Temperature studies showed that adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.

Conclusions

The magnesium hydroxide generated in the cell removes the heavy metals present in the water and reduces to a permissible level, making it drinkable.

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Acknowledgment

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Director, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, for aid in publishing this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR—Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, 630 006, India

    Subramanyan Vasudevan, Jothinathan Lakshmi & Ganapathi Sozhan

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  1. Subramanyan Vasudevan
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  2. Jothinathan Lakshmi
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  3. Ganapathi Sozhan
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Correspondence to Subramanyan Vasudevan.

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Responsible editor: Vinod Kumar Gupta

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Vasudevan, S., Lakshmi, J. & Sozhan, G. Optimization of electrocoagulation process for the simultaneous removal of mercury, lead, and nickel from contaminated water. Environ Sci Pollut Res 19, 2734–2744 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-0773-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-0773-8

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