ANÁLISE DE VIABILIDADE ECONÔMICA NA ELETROCOAGULAÇÃO: AVALIAÇÃO DOS CUSTOS NO TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTES DO PROCESSO DE PARBOILIZAÇÃO DO ARROZ

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5562431014

• Palavras-chave: tratamento eletroquímico; energia elétrica; eletrodos.

• Keywords: electrochemical treatment; electrical power; electrode

• Abstract: : The input of contaminants into water bodies causes a series of changes in water quality, negatively impacting these ecosystems and their surroundings. In this sense, it is important that wastewater treatment techniques be efficient, given the wide range of contaminants present. Still not widely used in Brazil, Electrocoagulation is a technique capable of generating the coagulating agent "in situ," a process that involves the creation of metallic hydroxides through the electrodissolution of soluble anodes, usually made of iron or aluminum. As the anode corrodes, the active cation is released into the solution, forming the insoluble metallic hydroxide responsible for coagulation. At the same time, hydrogen microbubbles are formed at the cathode, promoting particle separation by flotation. It has high efficiency in removing organic and inorganic contaminants, including recalcitrant compounds and heavy metals, it is a fast and compact process. However, the main challenge in its popularization lies in operational costs, related to electrode wear and, especially, electricity consumption. This study evaluated the energy and electrode wear costs in the Electrocoagulation treatment of effluent from the rice parboiling process. The total costs (values for December 2024) were R$ 13.07 per cubic meter of treated effluent and R$ 7,842.00 per day, considering the daily flow of effluent treated by the company.