Thesis Archive
The Effects of Operational Parameters in the Treatment of Simulated Quick Service Restaurant Wastewater by Electrocoagulation Using Aluminum-iron Electrode Pair (2013-2014)
Neil Gabriel A. Umlas
Mary Joy A. Baraoidan
Gabriel P. Leonco
Abstract:
-“Electrocoagulation process using Al-Fe electrode pair for the treatment simulated quick service restaurant wastewater operated at different parameter was tested in this study. The initial wastewater tested had the following characteristics: COD concentration range of 1500 to 2000 mg/L, FOG concentration range of 1000 to 2300, and TSS concentration range of 380 to 490 mg/L. In the treatment of the 21L volume of wastewater, vertical cylindrical reactor was employed and the Al-Fe electrode pairs were kept submerged in the wastewater for 60 minutes. The effects of operational parameters such as current density (19.2 A/m2 – 38.4 A/m2), inner electrode distance(16mm-34mm), and flowrate (0.4L/min – 2L/min) was tested to determine the amount in percentage removal of COD, FOG, and TSS. Other characteristics such as voltage, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH were also monitored throughout the study. A change in color was observed as soon as the current was passed through the system. The color started from a turbid white and then changed to a brownish orange until it became a clear solution. Froth and sludge generation were also observed at varying current density, and at the current density of 28.8 A/m2, it was observed to have generated the most amount of froth. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) employing central composite design, the results of ANOVA show that the current density and inner electrode distance were the significant factors in the removal of COD. The optimum conditions were obtained at a current density of 38.4 A/m2, inner electrode distance of 25 mm, and a flow rate of 1 L/min which yielded 89.83%, 92.59%, and 71.54% for TSS, COD, and FOG removal respectively, at 60 minutes electrolysis time. The results were comparatively higher to Chin and Choa (2011) whose optimal results were 68.19%, 33.94%, and 58.08% for TSS, COD, and FOG removal at 20 minutes electrolysis time.”
Adviser:
Dr. Pag-asa D. Gaspillo