Vol. 23, No. 3 (2024), IA24341 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/IA24341

Evaluation of an electrooxidation and UV system with solar energy for the treatment of washing machine greywater for toilet and urinal discharges

 

Authors

Z.Y. Medrano-Hurtado, A. Marcelo-Medrano, A.A. Jumilla-Corral, P. Mayorga-Ortiz

Abstract

This study addresses the challenges of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management by developing a system for treating greywater from washing machines using electrooxidation (EO) with titanium and stainless steel electrodes. The integration of photovoltaic solar energy and ultraviolet (UV) radiation enhances disinfection and the degradation of organic contaminants, with the goal of reusing the treated water for toilet and urinal discharges. The system used a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reactor with a 290 L capacity, equipped with four electrodes powered by three 100 W solar panels. Key parameters such as current density (j) and treatment time were evaluated by monitoring turbidity, conductivity, and pH of the water. The optimal operating condition was determined to be at a j of 5.87 A⁄m² and a treatment time of 30 min, achieving a reduction in turbidity from 12.3 NTU to 7.72 NTU, conductivity (σ) from 2,130 μS⁄cm to 2,000 μS⁄cm, and a final pH of 7.99 U. The results demonstrate that the EO process, combined with photovoltaic solar energy and UV radiation, is an efficient and sustainable solution for greywater treatment, enabling reuse and contributing to water resource conservation.

Keywords

greywater treatment, washing machine, toilet, electrooxidation process, photovoltaic solar energy, ultraviolet radiation.

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