Efficacy of Electrocoagulation Treatment for the Abatement of Heavy Metals: An Overview of Critical Processing Factors, Kinetic Models and Cost Analysis

The electrocoagulation (EC) process introduces coagulants by electrochemical means and is widely adopted for removing heavy metals, alongside other contaminants, such as organic pollutants, suspended and dissolved solids, and colloidal materials. However, its efficacy can significantly vary depending on the operating conditions. This paper aims to provide an overview of the critical processing factors affecting the performance of electrocoagulation in heavy metal abatement, including the various kinetic models that describe the removal rate of pollutants and a cost analysis of the process to establish its economic feasibility. A comprehensive review of existing literature highlights the operational parameters, such as voltage, electrode material, and solution chemistry, that influence the efficiency of the electrocoagulation process. The findings indicate that optimizing these parameters can lead to enhanced removal efficiencies and reduced operating costs, positioning electrocoagulation as a viable option for heavy metal remediation in wastewater treatment. This synthesis of current knowledge contributes to understanding the practical implications of implementing electrocoagulation in environmental management strategies.