Abstract

In this study, a new batch cell with undivided operating and processing units based on electrocoagulation was used for wastewater treatment of egg processing industries. In addition, the influence of operational parameters such as current density, retention time and type of electrode on the amount of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and total coliform (TC) removal were investigated. The results showed that COD, TSS and TC removal efficiency increases with increasing current density and retention time. Of course it should be noted that, in the final evaluation of these parameters, the operational costs, electrochemical energy consumption (EEC) and electrode consumption costs should be considered. Maximum removal of COD (99), TSS (98.5) and TC (99.99) were achieved by an aluminum electrode in 10 min retention time and a current density of 6.6 mA cm−2. In addition, the aluminum electrode with EEC of 14.2 kW h m-3 and the anode consumption of 0.53 mg cm−2 is cost efficient as compared with an iron electrode. According to results, treatment of egg processing industry wastewater with a low volume of wastewater and high amount of organic load is carried out easily by electrocoagulation process (ECP) as compared to other common methods. Moreover, the proposed reactor has a high efficiency in the treatment of industries wastewater and produces an effluent with TSS and COD lower than 5 mg L-1 which has a standard quality for discharge in the environment. © 2018 Institution of Chemical Engineers