Coupling of electrocoagulation and membrane in hybrid and integrated systems for wastewater treatment, focusing on trends of reactor designs, fundamentals, and factors affecting the process: A critical review

Abstract

Separation processes using membrane have increasingly gained attention due to their notable advancements in various areas, including designs, utilizing cutting-edge materials in the fabrication of membrane, production techniques and module engineering. However, it is still limitations especially membrane fouling. One of the promising techniques is coupling electrocoagulation (EC) with membrane to overcome this serious problem and energy saving on the other hand. This paper shows an overview of the typical configuration of integrated EC-membrane system and hybrid EC-membrane system and their applications in industrial wastewater treatment. Different combinations of integrated EC process with microfiltration (EC-MF), ultrafiltration (EC-UF), nanofiltration (EC-NF), and reverse osmosis (EC-RO) with detailed reactor design and case studies were explored. Case studies regarding the application for many sources of wastewater have been demonstrated. Moreover, all main factors affecting EC-membrane process such as; electrode material, inter -electrode distance, current Density, shape of the electrode, electrode arrangement, initial pH, concentration of anions, electrolyte conductivity, EC Time, agitation speed, type of power supply, operating temperature, and pollutant initial concentration were studied. Cost analysis equations also included. The critical analysis and recommendations presented in this review paper will significantly enhance the scientific understanding of the readers.