An energy-efficient air-breathing cathode electrocoagulation approach for the treatment of arsenite in aquatic systems

Abstract

An air-breathing cathode electrocoagulation (ACEC) process with a sacrificial aluminum anode was used to treat arsenite (As(III)) from aqueous systems. Its performance was investigated by controlling operational parameters. As(III) removal efficiency of the ACEC increased from 81 to 86% with an increase in NaCl concentration from 10 to 20 mM. Furthermore, we were able to observe the oxidation of As(III) into its corresponding ions as well as the production of an aluminum oxide hydroxide in the form of boehmite. This study describes ACEC as one of the most energy-efficient treatment methods for As(III) removal based on its performance evaluation.