Optimization of energy costs in the pretreatment of olive mill wastewaters by electrocoagulation.

In this study, the electrocoagulation process was evaluated as a pretreatment process for olive mill wastewaters. Aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes, several contact times and 0.5, 1 and 2 A currents were used to compare chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies for each case. The optimum contact time and current were 45 minutes and 1 A, respectively, which resulted in a COD removal of 58.7% with an Al electrode. Experimental data from distinct operational conditions were used to fit a model for COD removal efficiencies. Energy consumption was also predicted. Under optimum operational conditions, the treatment cost was approximately Euro 0.13 kg(-1) CODremoved and Euro 4.41 m(-3). The results showed that the electrocoagulation process was a cost-effective method for the pretreatment of olive mill wastewaters.