Decolorization of CI reactive red 124 using the electrocoagulation method

Abstract

The removal of color from synthetic wastewater containing a reactive dye, C.I. reactive red 124, was experimentally investigated using direct current (D.C.) electrocoagulation (EC). In the EC of the reactive dye the effects of initial pH, electrolysis time, initial concentration of dye, conductivity and current density, were examined. The dye in the aqueous phase were effectively removed when iron was used as sacrificial anode. The optimum operating range for each operating variable was experimentally determined. The batch experimental results were assessed in terms of color. They revealed that the color of the reactive dye in aqueous phase was effectively removed (100%). The optimum current density, pH and electrolysis time for 100 mg L-1 initial dye mass concentration were 1.351 mA cm(-2), 8 and 5 min, respectively.