The Effect of Cathode Material, Current Density and Anode-Cathode Gap on the COD and Color Removal From Leachate by the Electro-Fenton Method

Abstract

In this study, the effects of different cathode electrodes (stainless-steel, graphite, carbon cloth), current density (25-125 A/m(2)), the distance between electrodes (0.5-1.5 cm) on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal from leachate by the electro-Fenton process were investigated. Under the optimum experimental conditions (pH: 3, current density: 100 A/m(2), H2O2 concentration: 2,000 mg/L, stirring rate: 250 rpm, the distance between electrodes: 1.5 cm) a maximum COD removal of 82.5% was achieved with an electrical energy consumption of 0.75 kWh/m(3). The optimum conditions for color removal were pH: 3, current density: 75A/m(2), H2O2 concentration: 2,000 mg/L, stirring rate: 250 rpm, the distance between electrodes 1.5 cm. Under these conditions, a maximum color removal of 69% from leachate was achieved with an electrical energy consumption of 0.108 kWh/m(3). According to the Water Pollution and Control Regulation in force in our country, it is understood that 700 mg/L and 290 Pt-Co values cannot be provided for COD and color parameters, respectively. This result concluded that this advanced oxidation process alone was not sufficient for the landfill leachate used in this study.