Application of Electrolysis Upgrading the Operation of Anaerobic Reactors

Unless anaerobic reactor and digesters have been applied worldwide, suitable operation is still challenging. Threats of facing with low efficiency operationally, their sensitivity and souring phenomenon are part of typical problems. In this article, the application of electrolysis as an upgrading alternative is investigated for the purpose of controlling its capability on effluent quality promotion and reactor's recovery. The effective factors, a.e. retention time and voltage are considered as well. In order to assess upgrading efficiency, blank samples and required anaerobic sludge were achieved through a bench scale anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) while in 1 liter beakers, electrolysis was tested. According to laboratory experiments implemented on 1 liter beakers containing municipal wastewater and anaerobic sludge, the efficiency of total dissolved solids (TDS) in anaerobic electrolyte cell developed 30 to 40 percent comparing to anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR). Furthermore, in utmost 3 hours with 12 volts, the pH improved from initial amount of 5/5 and 6/5 to 7/5 and 8 respectively while effluent's total COD and suspended solids (TSS) achieved in that order to 82 and 72 mg/L. Consequently, using electrolysis can upgrade anaerobic units appropriately.