Due to the abundance of agrochemicals, feces, urine, and landfill leachates, nitrates ( \({NO}_{3}^{-}\) ) are one of the most prevalent forms of inorganic pollutants in water bodies and groundwater. In this work, EC treatment was carried out in continuous flow with a Mg/Zn system for the treatment of a drinking water well near a landfill. The maximum efficiency of 93.15% was achieved at optimal operating conditions: current intensity of 0.6 A, flow of 2.9 mL/min and TRH of 86.81 min. In addition, 73% of silica was removed (from 65.05 to 17.76 mg/L), which interacts with magnesium and calcium to form silicates of both elements. EC is an efficient treatment technology with an operating cost of 2.65 US$/m3. In addition, Si causes interference in the EC system by prioritizing reactions with calcium and magnesium, and 72.69% Si was removed by EC. Finally, the inorganic ions were also significantly removed: 100% phosphates, 82.37% sulfates, 47% total hardness, and 42.28% chlorides. Conclusively, EC improved the water quality and thus minimized the health effects of consumers, and the drinking water studied in this work was used for the hydration of 212,500 L per day of milk formula for infant consumption and older adults.
