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

Juwon Lee, Giorgio Antonini, Ahmed Al-Omari, Christopher Muller, Jithin Mathew, Katherine Bell, Joshua Pearce and Domenico Santoro ()
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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
Domenico Santoro: Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Thompson Engineering Building, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-23

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.

Keywords: advanced electrodes; environmental sustainability; electrochemical nutrient removal; nutrient removal (N, P); wastewater treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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