Electrocoagulation vs. Bio-Coagulation: A Comparative Study on Dye Removal Efficiency

Wastewater generated from textile industries is a major environmental concern due to its toxicity and resistance to biodegradation which led to human health impacts and risk. This research employed the electrocoagulation and flocculation for the removal of dye. In electrocoagulation, the effect of pH, applied current, and contact time was studied to determine its optimum performance, while in bio-coagulation, dosage, pH, contact time, and agitation speed were optimized. Experiments were conducted at current densities of 8, 14, and 16 A, pH levels of 4 and 8, and contact times of 10, 15, and 25 minutes to evaluate electrocoagulation impact on pollutant removal efficiency. Bio coagulation experiments were conducted on dosage 0.025 – 0.1 g/L, pH 4 – 10, contact time 15 – 45 minutes, and agitation speed 40 – 100 RPM. From the experimental work of Electrocoagulation, the best removal efficiency percentage at 16A was 94% at 25 minutes, and pH of 8, and removal efficiency percentage when using bio-coagulant is 96% at 0.25g, 6 pH, 100 rpm, and 45minutes contact time. These findings show that by comparing both techniques, bio-coagulation is effective and sustainable approach for mitigating textile wastewater pollution.