A Comparative Review of Removing Chromium (VI) from Electroplating Industry Wastewater Using Electrocoagulation and Membrane Filtration

Abstract

This comparative review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and feasibility of two treatment methods—Electrocoagulation (EC) and Membrane Filtration (MF)—for removing hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from electroplating industry wastewater. Cr (VI) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic contaminant, necessitating efficient removal techniques. This study reviews recent literature on EC and MF’s operational principles, performance metrics, and environmental impacts. Key findings indicate that while EC offers precise treatment with lower initial costs, MF provides higher removal efficiency and can handle larger wastewater volumes. Both methods exhibit specific advantages and limitations regarding operational costs, maintenance, and environmental impact. The review concludes that the treatment method choice should be based on specific situational requirements, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize these technologies.