Electrochemical degradation of anionic surfactants

This study was performed to investigate the electrochemical oxidation of anionic surfactants. In particular, a synthetic solution of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and a real car wash wastewater were treated by galvanostatic electrolysis using a Ti–Ru–Sn ternary oxide and a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. Measurements of the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and the concentration of the anionic surfactants were used to follow the oxidation. Using the Ti–Ru–Sn ternary oxide anode, the complete removal of COD and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate was obtained only in the presence of chloride ions that act as inorganic mediators. The oxidation rate was almost independent of current density and electrolyte flow rate. In the case of BDD the mineralisation of the sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate was achieved in all experimental conditions due to reaction with hydroxyl radicals electrogenerated on the diamond surface during electrolysis. The COD removal rate increased with increase in electrolyte flow rate, indicating that the oxidation was mass-transfer controlled. Comparison of the results of the two electrodes showed that chlorine mediated oxidation at the Ti–Ru–Sn ternary oxide anode allowed a faster COD removal of both the synthetic solution and real car wash wastewater.