Experimental investigation on the removal of phenol from simulated wastewater by reverse electrodialysis reactor.

The removal of phenol from simulated wastewater by a reverse electrodialysis reactor (REDR) wastewater treatment system is experimentally investigated in independent or synergetic degradation circulation mode under specific conditions. Results demonstrated that the total degradation efficiencies (η_de,tot) and the total chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies (η_COD,tot) in an independent degradative circulation mode were better than those in a synergetic degradative circulation mode. After 2 h of treatment, the η_de,tot of phenol reached 100% and 99.7%, and η_{COD,- tot} reached 59.6% and 51.3%, under two circulation modes, respectively. However, the synergistic degradation cycle mode achieved a balance between hydrogen ion production and consumption during the wastewater treatment process. When the synergetic circulation mode was applied, the pH of the wastewater was always maintained at around 3 without the addition of acid, which reduced the wastewater treatment costs. Moreover, the general current efficiency and the energy consumption of REDR in the synergetic degradative circulation mode were 51.1% and 168.8 kWh/kgCOD, respectively, after 2 h. Therefore, the implementation of REDR with a suitable circulation mode and operating conditions offered a viable alternative to achieve a win-win situation for both energy and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]