The Efficiency of Reducing COD and Turbidity of Tofu Wastewater using A Combination of Electrocoagulation and Ozone

Abstract

We present an investigation of tofu wastewater that contains organic substances that can cause rapid microbial growth in the water. It can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels. In addition, tofu wastewater also contains suspended substances that cause turbidity. This study aims to evaluate changes in pH, temperature, and efficiency of reducing turbidity & chemical oxygen demand (COD) of tofu wastewater using a combination of electrocoagulation and ozone. This research method was carried out on a laboratory scale using tofu wastewater. The ozone generator is used for ozonising tofu wastewater and an acrylic batch type electrochemical reactor. The electrode material used for the anode and cathode is made of aluminum and iron sheets. There were also differences in the highest turbidity removal of 78.3% at the 60 th min when the wastewater was treated using a combination of electrocoagulation followed by ozone. The highest COD removal of 51.9% resulted from the treatment of tofu wastewater using ozone for 60 min. The initial temperature was 27.6°C then increased by 28.1°C (1.8%). Combination of electrocoagulation followed by ozone was more effective in reducing pollutants in tofu wastewater.