Abstract
The removal of As(III) and As(V) from acidic and basic solutions by electrochemical reduction was studied using a reticulated vitreous carbon cathode and a IrO2/Ti anode in an electrochemical reactor that could be operated divided or undivided. By using a cascade of 7–9 plug flow reactors, residual concentrations of arsenic less than 20 ppb were achieved upon reduction of 100 ppm As(III) in either acidic or alkaline solutions and for 100 ppm As(V) in acidic solution. The reduction of As(V), generally considered electrochemically inactive in alkaline solutions, was proved possible, but was much less efficient. In all cases, the only product of electrochemical reduction was arsine. A moderate improvement in reduction efficiency was achieved under conditions of electrocatalytic hydrogenation using 5% Pd on alumina as catalyst.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
W. Leplowski, Chem. Eng. News 76(46) (1998) 27.
K. Christen, Environ. Sci. Technol. 35 (2001) 287A.
S.K. Acharyya, Current Sci. 82 (2002) 740.
A.S. Wasay, Md. J. Haron, A. Uchiumi and S. Tokunaga, Water Res. 30 (1996) 1143.
A. Ramaswami, S. Tawachsupa and M. Isleyen, Water Res. 35 (2001) 4474.
N. Melitas, M. Conklin and J. Farrell, Environ. Sci. Technol. 36 (2002) 3188.
A.B. Ribeiro, E.P. Mateus, L.M. Ottosen and G. Bech-Nielsen, Environ. Sci. Technol. 34 (2000) 784.
M. Arienzo, J. Chiarenzelli and R. Scrudato, Fresenius Environ. Bull. 10 (2001) 731.
M.K. Smirnov, A.V. Smetanin, A.P. Tomilov and A.V. Khudenko, Russ. J. Electrochem. 35 (1999) 249.
M.K. Smirnov, A.V. Smetanin, V.V. Turygin, A.V. Khudenko and A.P. Tomilov, Russ. J. Electrochem. 37 (2001) 1050.
I.N. Chernykh, A.P. Tomilov, A.V. Smetanin and A.V. Khudenko, Russ. J. Electrochem. 37 (2001) 942.
G.J. Houlachi and P.L. Claessens, US Patent 4 083 761 (1976).
G.J. Houlachi and P.L. Claessens, Canada Patent 1 525 165 (1978).
G.J. Houlachi and P.L. Claessens, Canada Patent 1 553 967 (1979).
Z. Twardowski, US Patent 4 692 228 (1987).
C. Gadelle, J-P. Laloz and I. Seree de Roch, US Patent 4 088 734 (1978).
www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html
A.P. Tomilov, A.V. Smetanin, I.N. Chernykh and M.K. Smirnov, Russ. J. Electrochem. 37 (2001) 997.
M.E. Dodds-Smith, C.A. Payne and J.J. Gusek, Min. Env. Man. (Sept. 1995) 22.
D.K. Nordstrom, C.N. Alpers, C.J. Ptacek and D.W. Blowes, Environ. Sci. Technol. 34 (2000) 254.
N.J. Bunce, M. Chartrand and P. Keech, Water Res. 35 (2001)
D. Pletcher and F.C. Walsh, in J.D. Genders and N.L. Weinberg (Eds), ‘Electrochemical Technology for a Cleaner Environment’ (The Electrosynthesis Co, Lancaster, New York, 1992), p. 51.
A.E. Greenberg, A.D. Eaton and L.S. Clesceri (Eds), ‘Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater’ (American Public Health Association, Washington DC, 1991), p. 36.
J. Van Muylder and M. Pourbaix, in ‘Atlas ofElectroche mical Equilibria’ (Pergamon, 1966), p. 516.
D. Pletcher and F.C. Walsh, ‘Industrial Electrochemistry’ (Blackie Academic and Professional, London, 1993), p. 95.
N.L. Stock and N.J. Bunce, Can. J. Chem. 80 (2002) 200.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bejan, D., Bunce, N. Electrochemical reduction of As(III) and As(V) in acidic and basic solutions. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 33, 483–489 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024491019960
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024491019960