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Electrochemical Methods for Nutrient Removal in Wastewater: A Review of Advanced Electrode Materials, Processes, and Applications

Author

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  • Juwon Lee

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Thompson Engineering Building, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada)

  • Giorgio Antonini

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Thompson Engineering Building, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada)

  • Ahmed Al-Omari

    (Brown and Caldwell, Andover, MA 01810, USA)

  • Christopher Muller

    (Brown and Caldwell, Andover, MA 01810, USA)

  • Jithin Mathew

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Thompson Engineering Building, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada)

  • Katherine Bell

    (Brown and Caldwell, Andover, MA 01810, USA)

  • Joshua M. Pearce

    (Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada)

  • Domenico Santoro

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Thompson Engineering Building, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada)

Abstract

In response to the increasing global water demand and the pressing environmental challenges posed by climate change, the development of advanced wastewater treatment processes has become essential. This study introduces novel electrochemical technologies and examines the scalability of industrial-scale electrooxidation (EO) methods for wastewater treatment, focusing on simplifying processes and reducing operational costs. Focusing on the effective removal of key nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater, this review highlights recent advancements in electrode materials and innovative designs, such as high-performance metal oxides and carbon-based electrodes, that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion covers a range of electrochemical methods, including electrocoagulation and electrooxidation, each evaluated for their effectiveness in nutrient removal. Unlike previous studies, this review not only examines nutrient removal efficiency, but also assesses the industrial applicability of these technologies through case studies, demonstrating their potential in municipal and industrial wastewater contexts. By advancing durable and cost-effective electrode materials, this study emphasizes the potential of electrochemical wastewater treatment technologies to address global water quality issues and promote environmental sustainability. Future research directions are identified with a focus on overcoming current limitations, such as high operational costs and electrode degradation, and positioning electrochemical treatment as a promising solution for sustainable water resource management on a larger scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Juwon Lee & Giorgio Antonini & Ahmed Al-Omari & Christopher Muller & Jithin Mathew & Katherine Bell & Joshua M. Pearce & Domenico Santoro, 2024. "Electrochemical Methods for Nutrient Removal in Wastewater: A Review of Advanced Electrode Materials, Processes, and Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9764-:d:1517084
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Josiel Martins Costa, 2023. "Considerations on Electrochemical Technologies for Water Purification and Wastewater Treatment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-3, June.
    2. Edyta Kiedrzyńska & Marcin Kiedrzyński & Maciej Zalewski, 2015. "Sustainable floodplain management for flood prevention and water quality improvement," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 76(2), pages 955-977, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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