Electrocoagulation Technique for Cephalothin Sodium Removal with Effective Sludge Management

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology Vol. 44; no. 5; pp. 826 - 835
• Main Authors: Sankar, Ramya, Varsha, Aiswarya, Sivasubramanian, V., Ranjitha, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frankfurt Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2021
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Cephalothin sodium removal; Compressive strength; Electrocoagulation; Energy consumption; Hazardous wastes; Optimization; Response surface methodology; Sludge; Sludge management; Sodium; Soil analysis; Soil improvement; Soil properties; Soil stabilization; Wastewater
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.202000464

The electrocoagulation technique is applied for the treatment of hazardous cephalothin sodium antibiotic wastewater. The interaction effects of the various parameters on the maximization of removal efficiency and minimization of energy consumption are evaluated through multivariable optimization. The disposal of sludge is effectively performed by soil stabilization. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of soil fused with sludge shows an ordered arrangement with reduced void space. The improvement of soil properties is confirmed by the change in soil expansiveness from low to moderate region and by an increase in compressive strength. Hazardous cephalothin sodium antibiotic wastewater was treated by electrocoagulation. The removal of cephalothin sodium and the disposal of sludge by soil stabilization was investigated. The optimum operating conditions of the electrocoagulation process were obtained using response surface methodology. The geotechnical properties of sludge fused soil were improved significantly.