Oxidising and disinfecting by hydrogen peroxide produced in a two-electrode cell

Water Res. 2001 Sep;35(13):3235-41. doi: 10.1016/s0043-1354(01)00021-5.

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide was produced by direct current electrolysis using two electrodes only, a carbon felt cathode and a dimensional stabilised anode (titanium coated with RuO2), without adding any chemical. The required oxygen was supplied by water oxidation and by transfer from the atmosphere. The intensity should be maintained under a maximum value to avoid peroxide reduction. High peroxide production rate and concentration were then reached. Electroperoxidation partially removed dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contained in solutions of phenol, salicylic acid, benzoic acid and humic acids. The DOC removal in effluent of municipal sewage plant corresponded to a breakage of the double bonds. Real effluents were significantly disinfected owing to the direct effect of electric current and the indirect effect of peroxide. Moreover, a remnant effect was ensured.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Electrolysis*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects
  • Enterobacteriaceae / growth & development
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology*
  • Nephelometry and Turbidimetry
  • Organic Chemicals / isolation & purification
  • Oxidants / metabolism*
  • Oxidants / pharmacology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Pseudomonas / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas / growth & development
  • Sewage / chemistry
  • Time Factors
  • Water Microbiology*
  • Water Supply

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Oxidants
  • Sewage
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Oxygen