Electrochemical Wastewater Treatment, Principles, Efficiency, and Applications: A Review
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Abstract
Wastewater pollution is an important and worrying issue because it can destroy aquatic life and deplete natural water resources. Electrochemical wastewater treatment has provided a new and promising opportunity, supported by an in-depth understanding of its working mechanisms and treatment efficiency. This article discusses the key theories, operational strategies, and influencing factors of electrochemical treatment, including electrode materials, pH levels, and process conditions. In addition, separation, conversion, and hybrid electrochemical processes are presented with particular attention to the generation of reactive species and the recovery of valuable byproducts such as metal ions. These processes demonstrate dual functionality both in contaminant removal and resource recovery highlighting the robustness and flexibility of electrochemical systems across a wide range of pollutants. Moreover, the article reviews various reactor designs and discusses the scalability of these systems for practical applications. This comprehensive overview emphasizes the potential of electrochemical technologies as efficient, adaptable, and environmentally friendly solutions for modern wastewater treatment challenges.
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