AWWA JAW51658

An innovative electrocoagulation process has been shown to be effective in treatingraw water sources for the production of potable water. The process is a boon to water reuse because it has the capability to remove heavy metals from contaminated water streams and to treat leachates from mining and landfill sites. Study results showed bacteria (i.e., E. coli) were typically reduced by a factor of log 4.17 to concentrations below the detection limit. Molybdenum was reduced from 9.95 to 0.006 mg/L in leachate at a mining site, and iron was reduced from 130 to 0.015 mg/L in leachate from a landfill site. In the new process, coaxial electrodes permit continuous flow at rates up to 225,000 L/min (5.944 x 10(4) gpm) and above. The technology has no moving parts and operates at a fraction of the cost of other water treatment systems. Because the flocculent produced is chemically inert and does not leach back contaminants, it is readily disposable. In addition to describing the electrocoagulation process, the author discusses the critical role water electrolysis intermediate radicals play in removing bacteria. Includes 28 references, tables, figures.