Performance Evaluation of Electrocoagulation in Removing COD from Car Wash Wastewater

Considering the increased demand for cars in different countries during recent years, using car washes for washing vehicles has received a lot of attention. This study aimed to assess removing chemical oxygen demand (COD) from car wash effluent using the electrocoagulation method.

A reactor with dimensions of 40 cm * 50 cm * 50 cm of Plexiglas with a volume of 90 L equipped with an electric current generator and an electrode was used connected to the DC current generator in the form of Al-Al. The response surface method (RSM) was applied to optimize the factors affecting COD removal in the electrocoagulation process. For this purpose, D-optimal was utilized to optimize the experiments. The effects of measurable factors such as electrolysis time (X1), current density (X2), and aeration time (X3) were examined to check COD removal.

According to the results, the optimal operating conditions for COD removal during electrolysis (30 min) were as follow: the current density was 18.75 A/m2, and the aeration time of 30 min was 48.51%.

In conclusion, electrocoagulation is, to some extent, a reliable and environmentally compatible technique for car wash wastewater treatment.