Electroremediation of Naphthalene in Aqueous Solution Using Alternating and Direct Currents
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 1
Abstract
The key objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of an alternating current (AC) for the degradation of naphthalene in spiked aqueous solutions and to investigate the effect of current density on the degradation rates of naphthalene. Direct current (DC) was also used to compare the rates of degradation. Sodium chloride and anhydrous sodium sulfate were used as the supporting electrolytes. Degradation rates and byproducts formed were investigated when DC and AC were separately passed through naphthalene solutions. A square wave AC, having a frequency equal to was used. Naphthalene solutions having an initial concentration of about were subjected to an AC peak current density and DC density of , using as the supporting electrolyte. An approximate 65% reduction in the concentration of naphthalene was observed after a period of 48 h when DC was applied. Degradation was almost 100% when the AC was applied during the 48-h period. The effect of current density on the electrochemical degradation rate of naphthalene in aqueous solution was also investigated at alternating and direct current densities of 1, 3, and using as the supporting electrolyte. AC peak current densities of 1, 3, and resulted in overall conversions of 77, 87, and 95%, respectively, of naphthalene in solution. The corresponding values for DC application were 95% for all current densities while the initial degradation rates were greater at higher DC densities. Based on the degradation products formed, hydroxylation is believed to be the key mechanism for the degradation of naphthalene.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work financially supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. NSF0402772. We are grateful to Mr. Joseph Leykam at the Mass Spectrometer Facility, Biochemistry Dept., Michigan State University for his technical support during the analysis of samples. Professor A. Daniel Jones of Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry at Michigan State University assisted us in the analysis of byproducts. The writers are also thankful to Prof. Satish Udpa and Mr. Michael Shiu C. Chan for their help with the selection of the function generator, oscilloscope, and the amplifiers. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writers and do not reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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© 2008 ASCE.
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Received: Jul 25, 2006
Accepted: May 25, 2007
Published online: Jan 1, 2008
Published in print: Jan 2008
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