Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions by electrocoagulation using Al and Fe anodes

Electrocoagulation treatment of model wastewater solutions to remove jointly present Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions was studied. The influence of the current density, concentration of impurities, anode material, and structure of the precipitate of coagulant metal hydroxides on the efficiency of removal of the heavy metal ions was examined. The decisive factor under the chosen process conditions is the anode material. The electrocoagulation efficiency is considerably higher when using the aluminum anode, compared to the iron anode.