Removal of hexavalent chromium from electroplating wastewater by electrocoagulation with iron electrodes

The performance of electrocoagulation using iron electrodes for the removal of hexavalent chromium
from synthetic aqueous solutions and actual industrial electroplating wastewater was studied.
Parameters affecting the electrocoagulation process, such as initial pH, applied current density,
initial metal ion concentration, COD and time of electroprocessing were investigated. The optimum
pH was found to be in the range 4-8. Initial chromium concentrations of 200 – 800 mg L-1 did not
influence its removal rate. Higher concentrations were reduced significantly in relatively less time
than lower concentrations. Increased current density accelerated the electrocoagulation process,
however, on cost of higher energy consumption. Results revealed that best removal was achieved at
a current density 40 mA cm-2. The electrocoagulation process was successfully applied to the
treatment of an electroplating wastewater sample. Its Cr (VI) ion concentration and COD were
effectively reduced under the admissible limits in 50 minutes of electroprocessing.