sewage treatment: diamond electron as a promising solution

The project is for the treatment of organically contaminated heavy water. The researchers tested Leoben used for large systems. Is at the Montanuniversität worked hard in the treatment of organically polluted water. For the treatment of highly polluted waste water, the standard procedures are often not sufficient. To minimize heavy organic impurities, diamond electrodes could be used, such as from a current research project the Montanuniversität Leoben apparent. As part of a "FFG-Bridge" project attempts to evaluate the degradation efficiency of diamond electrodes are carried out to test their possible use in chemical-physical waste treatment facilities.

Anodic Oxifdation. The technique using anodic oxidation treatment of sewage is relatively new. The possibilities have been detected only with the development of diamond electrodes in recent years. The anodic oxidation is an electrochemical oxidation method which directly uses the raw water as electrolyte and therefrom oxidant such as Ozone, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine produced. These oxidants attack the organic impurities and build them from water and carbon dioxide. In addition to the degradation of organic matter also provides an excellent disinfecting effect is given.


Degradation of performance. Diamond electrodes offer because of its excellent corrosion resistance and resistance to aggressive media as an electrode material for the destruction of organic compounds in sewage waters. At the Montanuniversität now examining the performance degradation of oils and fats, says Hannes Menapace by the Institute for Sustainable Waste Management.

Operating conditions. As part of the project is available on the market in a laboratory scale electrodes on their suitability (stability) were investigated. Further analyzes on a second attempt as the long-term behavior of the diamond electrodes under realistic operating conditions. "The test electrodes to deliver statements on the practical applicability," said Menapace.

Waste treatment plant. One goal of this project is the implementation of this step in chemical-physical waste treatment annexes adopted as part of a preliminary design for a municipal sewage treatment plant had been "very promising" studies have been carried out. Were able to be achieved in the treatment of drug residues decay rates of over 99 percent. In a corresponding efficiency of the plant in the production of oxidants could, ideally, the entire contents of organic substances in sewage to carbon dioxide and water are removed.