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Performance evaluation of a hybrid electrocoagulation-bio flocculation system for greywater treatment with reference to microplastic removal
Summary
Scientists developed a cheaper, faster way to filter tiny plastic particles (microplastics) out of household wastewater, like from showers, sinks, and laundry, by combining an electricity-based cleaning method with a natural flocculant made from guava leaves. This hybrid system worked just as well as standard treatment but used about a third less energy, offering a more affordable, eco-friendly way to keep microplastics from washing into our water supply and, ultimately, our bodies.
The present study explores the performance of a hybrid electrocoagulation-bioflocculation (EC-BF) system for efficient greywater (GW) treatment, focusing on microplastics (MP) removal. Initially, the operational parameters, namely electrode material, electrolyte concentration, current intensity, reaction time and settling time, were optimised for the EC system. In order to reduce the reaction time to 30 min, a bioflocculant derived from Psidium guajava (guava) leaves was introduced. The hybrid EC-BF system was further optimised for the bioflocculant particle size, dosage, stirring speed, stirring time and settling time. Experimental results demonstrated that the performance of the hybrid EC-BF system was comparable with the EC system, with a reduced reaction time of the EC system. As a result, the hybrid system achieved a notable reduction in energy consumption of 34.06%. Additionally, a multi-criteria evaluation considering the capital cost, efficiency, energy consumption, reaction time and electrode loss confirmed the practical superiority of the EC-BF system over the conventional EC process. This research highlights the potential of bio-based hybrid technologies as a sustainable solution for MP mitigation.