Review of electro-assisted methods for water purification

• Published in: Desalination Vol. 115; no. 3; pp. 285 - 294
• Main Authors: Grimm, J., Bessarabov, D., Sanderson, R.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: anodic oxidation; Applied sciences; Contaminants; Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination; electrochemical assessment; electrosorption; Exact sciences and technology; heavy metals; Industrial wastewaters; nitrate removal; Pollution; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution; electrosorption; electrochemical assessment; Contaminants; heavy metals; anodic oxidation; nitrate removal; Membrane separation; Drinking water treatment; Industrial waste water; Electrochemical method; Physicochemical purification; Review; Waste water purification
• ISSN: 0011-9164; 1873-4464
• DOI: 10.1016/S0011-9164(98)00047-2

Many different methods for improving the hygienic quality of waste, industrial and drinking water are already established. These include pressure-driven membrane-based methods such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration and microfiltration, biological treatment, treatment of water by means of various chemicals such as ozone or chlorine, and treatment with UV radiation. This review deals with electro-assisted methods for water purification which stand apart from the well-established technologies. Although electrodialysis is a competitive electro-assisted method for water treatment, electrochemical systems for water treatment have, in general, not yet attracted adequate attention. Electrochemistry, a link between physical chemistry and electronic science, has proved to be a clean, versatile and powerful tool for the development of new advanced methods for water purification. The freedom of choice in adjusting the electrode potential and electrode material, to meet almost any demand, makes electrochemistry extremely selective and flexible. This survey covers both established and recent developments in the field of electrochemical technologies for waste water and drinking water treatment.