6.6. Electrochemical processes
The base of electrochemical processes is to use electrodes to conduct effluent treatment processes such as oxidation, reduction, coagulation or flocculation by generating electrolytic effect(Christie, 2007). Such treatments are more efficient than many non-electrochemical treatments. These have the advantages of small devices, small covered area, easily operating and manageable, higher rate of removing dissolved solids and oxygen demand and good bleaching effect. However, the precipitation, consumption of electrode material and operating cost are very high. The cost of treatment can be effectively decreased with the development of electrochemical technologies and availability of a variety of high efficiency reactors. Electro-catalytic advanced oxidation process(AEoP) is a new advanced oxidation technology developed recently(Hauser, 2011) Because of its high efficiency, easy operation, and environmental friendliness, it has attracted the attention of re- searchers. It can produce hydroxyl radicals directly or indirectly through the reactions in the catalytic activity electrode under normal temperature and pressure. Thus, the degradatior of the difficultly biodegradable pollutants is effective. It is one of the main directions in future research.