Effect of separated cathode on the removal of dissolved organic carbon using anode oxidation, Fenton oxidation, and coagulation

• A new process for anode oxidation, Fenton oxidation, and coagulation was introduced.
• Cathode was separated from electrolyte solution using CEM and AEM.
• Taguchi approach was used to study the effect of experimental parameters.
• SC–AFC reactor was manufactured.
• The removed dissolved organic matter was improved via cathode separation using CEM and AEM.

Several countries face scarcity of water, particularly in arid and semi-arid countries such as Egypt. Water supply in Egypt is highly dependent on Nile water, which barely provides for human, agriculture, and industrial consumption. Drainage waste water (DWW) is used for agriculture purposes directly or after blending with Nile water (1:1). DWW contains high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which may prohibit its application. A new process to remove DOC was introduced when wastewater was treated for agriculture purposes. The new process is a combination of anode oxidation and Fenton oxidation coagulation (AFC) in which cathode electrodes were separated from anode electrodes by cation and anion exchange membrane (CEM and AEM). Results showed that the removed DOC was enhanced by applying a separated cathode (SC) system. The most influential factor affecting the treatment was Fe(II) dosage. Based on results obtained, a new reactor contains separated cathode in anode oxidation, Fenton oxidation, and Coagulation (SC–AFC) reactor was made. SC–AFC reactor may be used for hydrogen production simultaneously with the removed DOC since it provides high pH in cathode compartment.

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