Measurement of copper deposition by electrocoagulation/flotation from waste printing developer

Performance of electrocoagulation process for copper removal in simulated artisanal and small-scale mining wastewater

“…Moreover, at higher current density, bubble rate generation increases, and bubble size becomes finer resulting to increase surface area for copper to come into contact which contributes for higher removal rate of the pollutants [3], [4]. The results in this study were the same as observed from the findings of other authors [3], [4], [5], [8] that as current density increases, the metal removal rate increases also. Increasing current density affects power consumption which is the most important consideration for economical aspect.…”

“…All the experiments were carried out at room temperature. Prior to each experimental runs, the surface of the electrodes was rubbed with abrasive paper, washed with HCl and distilled water then dried [3], [9]. (4) iron electrodes;…”

“…The generated iron hydroxide flocs serve as adsorbents for copper ions thus eliminating it in the solution [5]. Moreover, at higher current density, bubble rate generation increases, and bubble size becomes finer resulting to increase surface area for copper to come into contact which contributes for higher removal rate of the pollutants [3], [4]. The results in this study were the same as observed from the findings of other authors [3], [4], [5], [8] that as current density increases, the metal removal rate increases also.…”

“…However, during ASM process, copper, lead, cadmium, zinc, and nickel were also released to the different environmental compartments [2]. Copper released by mining operations is identified by US Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutant to aquatic ecosystems [3]. Anaemia, damage to renal and liver, and irritation to digestive system are the effects of high dose of copper intake [4].…”

“…Several papers on electrocoagulation process have been published showing the higher copper removal efficiency from real or synthetic wastewater [3], [4], [8], [9]. However, in the reported electrocoagulation studies, lower copper concentration was used as compared to the higher concentrations of copper present in real ASM wastewater.…”