Reactive electrochemical membrane for the elimination of carbamazepine in secondary effluent from wastewater treatment plant

This study evaluated the feasibility of electrooxidation process using a sub-stoichiometric titanium oxides (TiOX) reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) as anode for treatment secondary effluent from wastewater plant. The main objectives were to analyze (i) degradation pharmaceutical pollutant, carbamazepine, added at concentration 100 µg L−1, (ii) mineralization residual total organic carbon (TOC = 7 mg L−1), (iii) formation toxic by-products and (iv) energy consumption REM process. Two operating parameters tested: current density applied (74, 149 290 A m−2) flux TOC passing through membrane. results revealed that efficiency was maintained above 70% >98% carbamazepine until limiting value reached. higher density, which decreased. trend ascribed limitation amount species produced on surface (current instead mass transport lower flux). As strongly increased when applying flux, it is therefore crucial apply around this threshold value. also showed possible control chlorine-containing (ClO3−, ClO4−, AOCl) by decreasing density. issue particularly important such effluents containing significant Cl− ions. By taking into consideration both advantages drawbacks, optimal obtained with lowest 73 m−2 4.41 g h−1 corresponding 1.34 m3 m−2. These conditions allowed an 0.15 kWh g−1 removed (i.e. 0.74 m−3 treated wastewater).