Bangor University

Prifysgol Bangor

MSc/Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Electrochemical Treatment of Olive Oil in Wastewater

Abstract
Phenol in olive oil waste is a big problem for the industry [1]; the presence of phenols in the effluent
means it cannot be discharged onto land. The easiest way to break down these phenols; making the
waste material dischargeable, is to degrade the phenols using hydroxyl ions. At present the most
widespread method for this is chemical oxidation. This brings another set of problems with the use of
dangerous chemicals, therefore, needing specialised personnel to conduct the chemical oxidation.
However it has been discovered that the phenols can be broken down using electrochemistry [2]; either
by the process of electro-coagulation or electro-oxidation. I will be studying the effects of varying the
current on the amount of hydroxyl groups produced. Trying to find the optimum current for optimum
levels of hydroxyl ions to make the method as efficient as possible.

Hypotheses
 A change in current passing through the cell
will change the concentration of hydroxyl
ions produced.
 Increasing concentrations of hydroxyls
groups will lead to an increase in the electro-
oxidation of phenol.
Fig 1. An Electro-oxidation experimental setup

Name:
Robert Hobbs
E-mail:
chpc18@bangor.ac.uk
Supervisor:
Dr Chris Gwenin

Fig 2. An electro-oxidation cell at pilot plant level

References: [1] : Low Cost Treatment and Disposal of Olive Mill Wastewater, S. Gharaibeh, A. Rababah, and H. Nishino
[2] : Anodic oxidation of phenol for waste water treatment, CH.Comninellis, C.Pulgarin, Journal Of Applied
Electrochemistry 21 (1991) 703-708