Electrochemical oxidation of surfactants as an essential step to enable greywater reuse

Author(s)

dos Santos, Alexsandro J. ; Shen, Hongchen ; Lanza, Marcos R. V. ; Li, Qilin ; Garcia-Segura, Sergi

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION; v. 34, p. 11-pg., 2024-02-10.

Abstract

The practical application of electrochemical oxidation technology for the removal of surfactants from greywater was evaluated using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a model surfactant. Careful selection of electrocatalysts and optimization of operational parameters demonstrated effective SDS removal in treating a complex greywater matrix with energy consumption below 1 kWh g-1 COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), paving the way for a more sustainable approach to achieving surfactant removal in greywater treatment when aiming for decentralized water reuse. Chromatographic techniques identified carboxylic acids as key byproducts prior to complete mineralization. These innovative approaches represent a novel pathway for harnessing electrochemical technologies within decentralized compact devices, offering a promising avenue for further advancements in this field. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/10118-0 - Study and application of electrochemical technology for the analysis and degradation of endocrine interferents: materials, sensors, processes and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/20634-0 - Treatment of wastewater contaminated with endocrine interferences through the application of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes: synergistic effect of different carbon supported cathodes
• Grantee: Alexsandro Jhones dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/08701-4 - Application of electrochemically driven technologies to remove real concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in complex water matrices
• Grantee: Alexsandro Jhones dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants