Physical and numerical model of electrocoagulation process with aluminum electrodes for phosphate removal

Abstract

The efficiency of the electrocoagulation process for the removal of phosphate ions 34 (PO -P) − has been analyzed using a batch full-scale reactor with aluminum electrodes. The effects of the flow rate through the reactor applied current density, and reactor volume were the focus of the study. The initial 34 (PO -P) − concentration was reduced by 90% after 90 min of reactor operation time. Additionally, a three-dimensional numerical model for 34 PO -P − removal via the electrocoagulation process is devel-oped that includes the processes of phosphate adsorption and desorption on coagulated/flocculated particles, along with particles settling. Numerical model parametrization relies on the results from the experiments.