Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5599/jese.3254
Electrocoagulation as an effective all-in-one wastewater treatment: a critical review
Kiran Tota-Maharaj
; Royal Agricultural University, Water, Wastewater and Environmental Engineering Research Cluster, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK
Nasrin Rastinifard
; Royal Agricultural University, Water, Wastewater and Environmental Engineering Research Cluster, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK
*
Aya Gallab
; Water and Resources Recovery Research Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, UK
Usman M. Ismail
; Water and Resources Recovery Research Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, UK
Chedly Tizaou
; Water and Resources Recovery Research Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, UK
Hazem Gouda
; Civil Engineering, University of Wollongong in Dubai, UOWD Building, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Upaka Rathnayake
; Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Atlantic Technological, University, Sligo, Ireland
Abraham Negaresh
; Water Research Centre Ltd (WRc), Frankland Road, Swindon, UK
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Electrocoagulation has emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of wastewater from a wide range of sources. Interest in this technology has grown due to its several advantages, including a small footprint, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. In contrast, conventional wastewater treatment methods that rely primarily on biological processes often exhibit limited removal of emerging contaminants, highlighting the need for more efficient and versatile treatment alternatives. This review article provides an in-depth discussion of the application of electrocoagulation technology for wastewater treatment, with a specific focus on its performance in real wastewater matrices across industrial, municipal, and agricultural case studies, including evidence from case studies demonstrating its use on a large scale. It examines key factors that influence process performance and presents the governing equations that determine the technology's efficiency and applicability. A key contribution of this review is the integrated analysis of reactor design, operational parameters, and emerging hybrid electrocoagulation (EC) systems, such as EC coupled with advanced oxidation processes (EC-AOP) and membrane processes (EC-membrane), highlighting recent technological advancements that improve treatment efficiency while reducing energy consumption. The review also addresses techno-economic considerations and synthesizes findings from life-cycle assessment studies, revealing critical trade-offs between environmental benefits, such as reduced eutrophication potential, and limitations including increased ecotoxicity. Finally, the article identifies key research gaps and highlights the potential of replacing fossil fuel-based energy inputs with renewable energy sources as well as the importance of electrode optimization and sludge valorisation strategies to improve the overall sustainability and scalability of electrocoagulation systems.
Keywords
Wastewater pollutants; electrochemical removal; reactor design; life-cycle assessment, sludge valorisation, case studies
Hrčak ID:
351973
URI
Publication date:
25.5.2026.
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