Evaluation of Operation Parameters for the Removal of Algae by Electro-Coagulation

Electro-coagulation experiments were conducted with aluminum (Al) or iron (Fe) electrode in order to determine the optimal electrode material and operation conditions for algae removal. Al electrode showed higher removal rate of algae than Fe electrode because Al flocs have positive surface charges which electrostatically attract algae species having negative surface charges. Removal rate of algae and total phosphorous (T-P) was increased as current density and electrode area increases. It was also found that initial pH with neutral range was optimum for T-P removal by electro-coagulation. Bench-scale continuous flow experiments consisted of electro-coagulation reactor, agitation tank and settling tank were conducted. In electro-coagulation reactor, a large fraction of Al flocs were distributed to scum layer, due to the gas bubbles generated by electrolysis reaction. In agitation tank, most of Al flocs were settled and the optimal mixing intensity was found to be 50 rpm to achieve good settleability. The removal rate of algae was about 90-95%. Additionally, the removal rate of the T-P and COD was observed to be $73.8{\pm}8.0%$ and $75.0{\pm}3.8%$, respectively. Meanwhile, the removal rate of total nitrogen (T-N) was relatively low at only 24%.