Estudo do tratamento da água do Rio Ipojuca em Caruaru-PE através do processo de eletrofloculação utilizando eletrodos provenientes de latinhas de alumínio

Abstract

Water is a fundamental natural resource for the survival of all species on the planet. With its intense use and population growth, a large volume of effluents has been generated, which are released into rivers without proper treatment, causing serious problems for the environment. Rivers have been one of the main points affected by pollution, as an example, we can mention the Ipojuca river, located in the city of Caruaru-PE, which is considered the third most polluted river in Brazil. Considering water scarcity, in recent times, new technologies and different types of treatment have been developed to try to alleviate this problem. Electroflocculation appears as a promising technique. This technique is an electrochemical treatment, in which its own coagulant is generated through electrolysis, thus eliminating the need for the addition of chemical coagulants. The present work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the electroflocculation technique using aluminum electrodes for the treatment of effluent from the Ipojuca River. The electroflocculation process was carried out in a reactor, built with alternative materials, being made of tempered glass, in batch, using aluminum electrodes from soft drink cans and the like, being carried out during a pre-determined period of 60 minutes using in each test 5 liters of the sample, applying a voltage of 12 volts and under internal agitation. The parameters analyzed were: BOD, COD, oils and greases, pH, turbidity, phosphorus, total and thermotolerant coliforms. Finally, using this technique significant reductions were achieved, reaching a maximum reduction value of 94.59% for oils and greases, 86.17% for COD, 66.40% for BOD, 84.79% for turbidity, 83.96% for phosphorus. Therefore, the electroflocculation process shows promise in treating effluents, such as the Ipojuca River.