Influence of the operating conditions on the electrochemical disinfection process of natural waters at BDD electrodes

Results are reported of an investigation of the oxidation products formed during electrolyses of aqueous solutions of NaCl, in which the initial concentration of chloride ions was maintained at levels normally present in natural waters. The Design of Experiments (DOE) technique has been used effectively to plan a framework of experiments, in which the main operative parameters: current density, electrolyte stirring rate, and cell geometry, were varied at two levels. Their effects, as well as their possible interactions have been evaluated on the yield of chloride oxidation and on the selectivity of the reaction towards the formation of hypochlorite.