Effective Removal of Nitrates from the Drinking Water by Chemical and Electrochemical Methods

In the present study, the effective removal of nitrates from water was investigated using the nano alumina adsorbent and then electrochemical methods with a platinum anode and brass cathode. The research examined the impacts of contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial nitrate concentrations on the adsorption process while studying the effects of pH and temperature to optimize conditions. Results indicated that the electrochemical method yielded excellent nitrate removal efficiency, particularly with a maximum reduction for nitrate concentrations of 200 mg/L achieved after 90 minutes of electrolysis at a current density of 2 A dm-2. Direct nitrate reduction was noted to occur at all concentrations, starting below 300 mV versus the saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in cyclic voltammetry studies. It was established that electrocatalytic reduction correlates with current and electrode potential, with voltammetry studies indicating nitrate ions adsorb onto platinum electrodes and are converted sequentially into nitrite and then nitrogen gas. Thus, both chemical and electrochemical methods demonstrate significant potential for effective nitrate removal from water.