Application of Electrochemical Technology for Water Treatment of Brazilian Industry Effluents

Abstract

Electrochemical technologies are a promising alternative for the treatment of wastewaters containing organic pollutants. The main advantages of these processes include environmental compatibility, versatility, energy efficiency, safety, selectivity, amenability to automation and cost effectiveness. However, the effectiveness of the electrochemical approaches depends strongly on electrode materials and cell parameters (mass transport, current density, water composition, etc.). Then, the use of high performance anodic materials can achieve high efficiency and lower the operating cost. Therefore, several research groups are recently studying the applicability of the electrochemical technologies for treating real domestic and industrial effluents, with the aim of that a diversification of techniques must be sought, adapting the treatment to each situation, as much as possible. In this context, this paper presents an overview of the application of electrochemical technologies to treat industrial effluents in the northeastern region of Brazil, emphasizing the use of direct and indirect electrochemical oxidation processes as an alternative to pollution abatement of effluents generated by textile and petrochemical industries.