Simultaneous removal of arsenite and fluoride via an integrated electro-oxidation and electrocoagulation process

An integrated electro-oxidation and electrocoagulation system was designed and used to remove As(III) and F− ions from water simultaneously. Dimensionally stable anodes (DSA), Fe electrodes, and Al electrodes were combined into an electrochemical system. Two pieces of DSA electrodes were assigned as the outside of the Fe and Al electrodes and were directly connected to the power supply as anode and cathode, respectively. The Fe and Al ions were generated by electro-induced process simultaneously. Subsequently, hydroxides of Fe and Al were formed. Arsenic ions are mainly removed by iron hydroxides and F− ions are mainly removed by the Al oxides. At the initial concentration of 1.0 mg L−1, most of As(III) was transferred into As(V) within 40 min at current density of 4 mA cm−2, whereas F− ions can be efficiently removed simultaneously. The effect of the ratio of Fe and Al plate electrodes and current density on the removal of As(III) and F− was investigated. With one piece of Fe plate electrode and three pieces of Al plate electrodes, it is observed that As(III) with concentration of 1 mg L−1 and F− with concentration of 4.5 mg L−1 can be removed and their final concentrations were below the values of 10 μg L−1 and 1.0 mg L−1, respectively within 40 min. Removal efficiency of As(III) increases with the increase of solution pH. However, in the pH range of 6–7, removal efficiency of F− is the largest.

► An integrated electro-oxidation and electrocoagulation system was designed and used to remove As(III) and F− ions from water simultaneously.
► Dimensionally stable anodes, Fe electrodes, and Al electrodes are combined into an electrochemical system.
► Removal efficiency of As(III) increases with the increase of solution pH; removal efficiency of F− is the largest in the pH range of 6–7.