Energy-Efficient Phosphate Removal from Wastewater Using Migration Electric Field-Assisted Electrocoagulation (MEAEC)

To enhance the removal of phosphate from domestic wastewater while reducing energy consumption, a migration electric field-assisted electrocoagulation (MEAEC) system was developed. This system utilized a titanium charging electrode, which is inert, and a sacrificial iron anode. During operation, an electric field was applied between the titanium electrode and an air cathode, which caused the migration of phosphate anions towards the sacrificial anode. Subsequently, current was applied between the sacrificial anode (either Fe or Al mesh) and the air cathode to drive the electrocoagulation of phosphate.