Cost Effectiveness Ratio in Fluoride Removal From Water Using Electrochemical, Coagulation, and Combined Electro-Coagulation Processes Publisher



Mahvi AH^{1, 2} ; Salem A³ ; Parmoozeh Z³ ; Rabbani D^{3, 4} Show Affiliations
Source: Desalination and Water Treatment Published:2020

Abstract

Different methods are used to remove a high concentration of fluoride or decrease it to the standard level. In this study, the cost-effectiveness ratio of fluoride removal (F-ion removal) by coagulation, electrochemical, and co-application of electro-coagulation processes was investigated. The initial F-ion concentration, alum dosage, and electrical current intensity were controlled as independent variables and the F-ion removal efficiency was considered as a dependent variable. The research was done in a batch system on model solution samples containing 5, 12.5, and 20 mg L–1 of fluo-ride. First, the optimum condition to reach the Iran standard for fluoride in drinking water was determined. Then the cost for each gram of removed fluoride was calculated in US$ and compared. For solutions containing an initial concentration of 5 mg L–1 of fluoride, the ratio of cost to elimi-nated fluoride in electrochemical, coagulation–electrochemical, and chemical coagulation processes was 0.0026, 0.1178, and 1.4815 US$ g–1, respectively. However, these ratios were greatly reduced at higher initial concentrations. The study showed that the electrochemical process is cheaper than others while combining coagulation and electrochemical processes is more efficient. Therefore, in water and wastewater treatment plants where F-ion removal is performed using the coagulation process, adding an electrochemical process to it can reduce the cost of F-ion removal and increase the efficiency. © 2020 Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.