Electrochemical Coagulation of Wastewater Using Aerial Roots of Banyan Tree as Adsorbent

The challenges posed by rapid population growth and industrialization have triggered significant global concerns, particularly in the realm of wastewater treatment. Conventional methods, often time-consuming and beset by numerous hurdles, struggle to effectively cleanse contaminated water sources. Emerging as a beacon of efficiency, advanced techniques such as electrochemical coagulation offer a promising solution. This research delves into the realm of electrocoagulation, a cutting-edge approach harnessed to address these pressing issues. Copper, aluminum, and carbon electrodes take center stage in this innovative process, their deployment complemented by varying doses of an aqueous solution infused into the banyan tree's aerial roots. These amino acids, acting as adsorbent surfaces, serve to mitigate electrode corrosion and amplify sludge generation capacity, a pivotal enhancement. The experimental setup maintained a constant interelectrode distance, pH level, voltage, current density, and electrolysis duration. This uniformity facilitated a comparative analysis between scenarios: one with the incorporation of the banyan tree's aqueous solution and the other utilizing conventional metal ion-based electrocoagulation without any supplementary coagulant. The inclusion of the banyan tree's aerial roots as a coagulant manifested a tangible increase in sludge generation capacity, measured at an impressive rise of 5–10 mg per liter per minute. In summation, the mounting challenges arising from population growth and industrial activities necessitate innovative wastewater treatment methodologies. Electrochemical coagulation, a paradigm of efficiency, finds further augmentations through the strategic integration of banyan tree aerial root-derived aqueous solutions. This infusion harnesses the potential of amino acids and Sterols, engendering enhanced adsorption and sludge generation capabilities.