Performance Evaluation of Ceno-TiO₂/Al Electrodes in Continuous Electrocoagulation of Automobile Wash Wastewater

Abstract

The increasing generation of fly ash from coal-based power plants poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating sustainable utilization strategies. This study explores the use of modified fly ash cenospheres as eco-friendly and cost-effective materials for wastewater treatment, particularly automobile wash effluent containing high levels of COD, suspended solids, oil, and grease. Various modifications of cenospheres, including chitosan coating and TiO₂ functionalization, were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDAX, AFM, XRD, FTIR, and surface area analysis. Electrochemical behavior and physicochemical properties were also evaluated.
The performance of modified cenospheres was assessed through electrocoagulation and jar test experiments under optimized conditions. Among the samples, chitosan cross-linked cenosphere (CCP) exhibited superior removal efficiency, faster sedimentation, and higher floc formation compared to other variants. Maximum pollutant removal was achieved at optimized pH and contact time. The findings demonstrate that modified cenospheres, particularly CCP, are effective and sustainable materials for wastewater treatment, offering a promising solution for small-scale industrial applications.