In this work, the performance of batch electrocoagulation (EC) treatment using iron
electrodes with monopolar and bipolar electrode configurations for trivalent chromium (Cr
(III)) removal from a synthetic wastewater was investigated. The influence
s of current
density (from 2 to 25 mA/cm2) and initial metal concentration (from 100 to 250 mg/L) on
the removal efficiency were explored in a batch stirred cell for monopolar and bipolar
configurations.
Removal of Cr (III) by EC process from aqueous solution with both monopolar and
bipolar electrode configurations was a feasible process. For the initial Cr (III)
concentration of 250 mg/L, almost complete removal (99.88%) of Cr (III) was noted after
20 min of EC in case of bipolar electrode arrangement at 25 mA/cm2 with 4.5 mmol/L of
supporting electrolyte (Na2SO4) against 89.58% of Cr (III) removal for monopole electrode
configuration.
At the same electrolysis time, the power consumption was 47 and 15.3 kWh/m3 in
case of monopolar and bipolar configuration respectively for the previous removal
conditions.