Sustainable Electrochemical Treatment of Textile Effluents Using Recycled Electrode Scrap: A Circular Approach to Wastewater Management

Abstract

Textile industries, designated as 'Red Category' by India's Ministry of Environment, are significant contributors to water pollution due to effluents rich in dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals. This study explores the reuse of scrap electrodes—copper, mild steel, and aluminium—in Electrochemically Assisted Coagulation (ECAC) for treating final discharge from indigenous textile industries. Lab-scale experiments assessed removal efficiency for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), colour, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) under varying current densities and treatment durations. Results showed maximum COD removal (83.3%), TSS (96.4%), TDS (98.3%), and colour (93.1%) using copper-mild steel electrodes at 60 mA/cm² in 90 minutes. Reusing scrap electrodes significantly reduces treatment costs and environmental burden, aligning with principles of the circular economy and sustainable industrial practices. This eco-innovative method offers a low-cost, scalable alternative for wastewater remediation and supports SDG targets on water quality, sustainable industry, and responsible resource consumption. Key words: Electrochemically Assisted Coagulation (ECAC), Textile Industry Effluent, Clean Water and Sanitation, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production, Circular Economy in Water Treatment