Electrocoagulation Process by Using Aluminium and Stainless Steel Electrodes to Treat Total Chromium, Colour and Turbidity

Abstract

The research works involve the study of removal of Total Chromium, Colour and Turbidity contaminations in landfill leachate by electrocoagulation process. This project focused on leachate landfill from Pulau Burung, Nibong Tebal, Penang as an electrolyte solution. Heavy metals are the main factor contributing to pollution in leachate landfill. Leachate is the main pollution factors from landfill sites and must be treated before it is released into the environment¹. Landfill leachate contain high amount of heavy metals that can cause serious health problems to human, if the wastewater that contained heavy metals is not treated properly². This project tried to reduce and treat the heavy metal that contain in the landfill leachate. Types of electrodes used in this study were Aluminium (grade 5052) and Stainless Steel (grade 316). The ranges of initial pH applied were pH (3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) and voltages applied were 1.5 V, 2.0 V and 2.5 V. At the end of electrocoagulation process, the solutions were stored and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the final concentration of electrolyte solution. It was found that, the difference electrodes have different effectiveness in removing Total Chromium, colour and turbidity, relies on the types of electrodes (Aluminium or Stainless Steel). Based on the result, can be concluded that Aluminium Electrodes are best for removal of turbidity and colour. Stainless Steel Electrodes is best for removal Total Chromium. The initial pH also gives the significant effect to removal of heavy metal and the maximum voltages give higher removal of heavy metal.