Electrochemical oxidation of sulphides in paper mill wastewater by using mixed oxide anodes

In this study, the electrochemical oxidation technique was used to oxidize sulphides present in paper mill wastewater. Inactivation of anaerobic bacteria in wastewater was also investigated. Sulphide oxidation was effective during the experiments, and the best efficiency was achieved by the smallest current density used. One of the main oxidants of sulphides during the experiments was oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria were better inactivated with higher initial chloride concentration in wastewater because of electrochemically generated chlorine/hypochlorite. Dissolved oxygen, redox potential and pH values of the wastewater increased because of electrochemically generated oxygen-based oxidants and oxidation reactions occurring on the anode. In general, it can be said that sulphide removal was successful in the present study.