Vol. 24, No. 3 (2025), IA25621 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/IA25621

Effect of operational parameters in electrocoagulation for the removal of phosphorus, nitrates, and ammoniacal nitrogen from water

 

Authors

G.A. Tamayo-Roman, S. Enciso-Sáenz, J.H. Castañon-González, J.J. Villalobos-Maldonado

Abstract

Electrocoagulation represents an efficient and low-cost alternative for the removal of contaminants present in water bodies affected by domestic discharges and agricultural activities. In this study, the application of an electrocoagulation reactor equipped with aluminum anodes and graphite cathodes was evaluated for the removal of phosphorus, nitrates, and ammoniacal nitrogen in a synthetic water matrix similar to that of the Garrido Canabal River, Bochil, Chiapas, Mexico. The effects of electrode distance, applied voltage, operating time, and initial pH were analyzed. The best results were obtained with a 1 cm electrode distance, 9 V voltage, 20 minutes of operation time, and an initial pH of 7, achieving removal efficiencies of 81% for phosphorus, 82% for nitrates, and 76% for ammoniacal nitrogen. The results confirm the direct influence of operational variables on process efficiency, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative for water treatment in rural communities, while complying with the limits established in the NOM-127-SSA1-2021 regulation.

Keywords

Electrocoagulation, phosphorus, nitrates, ammoniacal nitrogen, water treatment.

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