Removal of lead by solar-photovoltaic electrocoagulation using novel perforated zinc electrode

Electrocoagulation can successfully remove metals from diluted wastewater streams with conventional anode materials, such as aluminium, iron and copper. The disadvantages of conventional electrocoagulation systems (i) are expensive because they require substantial electric energy input, and (ii) electrode materials directly influence electrocoagulation efficiency. Developing an electrocoagulation system with a solar photovoltaic energy source is possible. Using this energy source significantly reduces process costs and exhibit high treatment efficiency when combined with a suitable electrode material. In this study, perforated zinc was tested as a novel anode to remove lead ions from aqueous solutions through electrocoagulation treatment powered by solar photovoltaic. The effects of electrode materials, electrode geometry, energy consumption and sludge production on Pb(II) removal were also investigated. Results demonstrated the superior performance of the perforated zinc electrode with a lead ions removal efficiency of 99.9% achieved within 10 min of treatment at 1.13 mA/cm2 current density. Morphological, elemental analysis of the electrode surface and formed sludge confirmed that less sludge was generated during Pb(II) removal from simulated wastewater by the proposed electrocoagulation system under the optimal conditions