Effect of process parameters on the phenol removal rate from petrochemical effluents using electrochemical method

Srinivasulu K., Balasubramani

Abstract

The present work is to degrade the phenolic waste from petrochemical industry by electrochemical method using Titanium doped with SnO2-Sb as anode and AISI 305 stainless steel as cathode. The degradation rate depends on the current supplied and the rate of agitation of the cylindrical stainless steel cathode rod placed inside Hexagonal shaped Titanium anode. Experimental studies were conducted in stagnant condition and parameters like pH, current density, temperature, initial concentration and cathode speed were varied. The phenol removal rates possess its maximum at pH 3 and began to decrease at pH 5 and pH 6. It was observed that the phenol degradation rate increased with increase in current density, electrolysis temperature and cathode speed. High initial concentration of phenol was found to undergo relatively lesser mineralization.