Unlike these studies,
the present work investigated simultaneous removal of chromium
(Cr3+), copper (Cu2+), nickel (Ni2+) and zinc (Zn2+) ions
from metal plating wastewater using electrocoagulation (EC)
technique. In addition, a kinetic study was conducted for the
first time to describe the removal rates of heavy metal ions.
The impact of EC time, direct current density, pH and electrical
conductivity (r) on the heavy metal ions removal by electrocoagulation
was investigated.
Finally, the consumption levels of
both electrical energy and electrode material were assessed at
different operating conditions to demonstrate qualitatively the
cost-effective features.