An Electrochemical Method for Decreasing the Concentration of Sulfate and Molybdenum Ions in Industrial Wastewater

摘要

An electrochemical method is proposed for decreasing the concentration of sulfate and molybdenum species in industrial wastewater. The method is based on electromigration, electroosmosis, electrolysis, and subsequent secondary processes. The treatment has been carried out in electrolytic cells with graphite electrodes and anodic and cathodic compartments separated by a special ceramic membrane. Influence of the equipment design and working conditions on the treatment effectiveness has been studied. The concentrations of sulfate and molybdenum were decreased from 2000-2200 mg/L to 900-1100 mg/L and 1.9-2.2 mg/L to 0.8-1.2 mg/L, correspondingly. The pH of the treated water was 8.0-8.5, no additional chemicals were introduced and voluminous sludge was not formed. The method proposed is environmentally friendly and seems to be economically feasible for treating wastewater with large flow.