Continuous once-through electrooxidation treatment using mixed metal oxide anode for bacterial disinfection

A novel electrooxidation (EO) unit was investigated for disinfecting wastewater, offering a promising alternative. This study continuously treated simulated bacterial wastewater using a mixed metal oxide (MMO) anode, mimicking hospital ward conditions. Optimal disinfection (96% bacterial inactivation) was achieved in continuous mode at a current density of 7.14 mA/cm2, 0.2 g/L NaCl, 9 min treatment time, and 40 mL/min flow rate. Real sewage wastewater achieved 92% inactivation at 8 min under these conditions. The MMO anode remained durable and effective after 300 cycles. EO presents a robust and affordable technology with an electrical consumption of 0.184 kWh/m3 and an operational cost of $1.88/m3. These findings suggest this EO technique is a viable approach for decentralized wastewater treatment in hospital infectious wards, with the potential for real-world application.