Optimizing the removal of Heavy Metals of an artificial wastewater by electrocoagulation using response surface methodology

摘要

The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of pH and current density on the removal of cadmium, copper and zinc in an artificial wastewater with a large COD by electrocoagulation technique. Six iron electrodes were used in a 2 1 reactor with agitation. A regulated AC/DC power supply was used maintained a constant voltage/current. The wastewater was prepared in the laboratory in order to ensure the reproducibility of the measurements. The initial and final concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometer. Removal of more than 99% was obtained during the process for 60 minutes of application time. The conditions for optimal removal were at pH of 8 and a intensity of 3A for cadmium, pH of 7.02 and Intensity of 3 A for copper and zinc.