Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water
Peel, JW; Reddy, KJ; Sullivan, BP; Bowen, JM
| HERO ID | 1654642 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2003 |
| Title | Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water |
| Authors | Peel, JW; Reddy, KJ; Sullivan, BP; Bowen, JM |
| Journal | Water Research |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Page Numbers | 2512-2519 |
| Abstract | Nitrate (NO(3)(-)) contamination of groundwater is a common problem throughout intensive agricultural areas (nonpoint source pollution). Current processes (e.g., ion exchange, membrane separation) for NO(3)(-) removal have various disadvantages. The objective of this study was to evaluate an electrocatalytic reduction process to selectively remove NO(3)(-) from groundwater associated with small agricultural communities. A commercially available ELAT (E-Tek Inc., Natick, MA) carbon cloth with a 30% surface coated Rh (rhodium) (1microg x cm(-1)) was tested at an applied potential of -1.5 V versus standard calomel electrode (SCE) with a Pt auxiliary electrode. Electrocatalytic reduction process (electrolysis) of NO(3)(-) was tested with cyclic voltammetry (CV) in samples containing NO(3)(-) and 0.1M NaClO(4)(-). Nitrate and NO(2)(-) concentrations in test solutions and groundwater samples were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC). The presence of Rh on the carbon cloth surface resulted in current increase of 36% over uncoated carbon cloths. The electrocatalysis experiments using Rh coated carbon cloth resulted in reduction of NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Nitrite is produced as a product, but is rapidly consumed upon further electrolysis. Field groundwater samples subjected to electrocatalysis experiments, without the addition of NaClO(4)(-) electrolyte, also exhibited removal of NO(3)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Overall, results suggest that at an applied potential of -1.5 V with respect to SCE, Rh coated carbon cloth can reduce NO(3)(-) concentrations in field groundwater samples from 73 to 39 mg/L (16.58 to 8.82 mg/L as N) on a timescale range of 40-60 min. The electrocatalytic reduction process described in this study may prove useful for removing NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) from groundwater associated with nonpoint source pollution. |
| Doi | 10.1016/S0043-1354(03)00008-3 |
| Pmid | 12727264 |
| Wosid | WOS:000182940100031 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | Source: Web of Science WOS:000182940100031 |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | drinking water; chemical denitrification; rural communities; water quality; agriculture industry |