Electrochemical removal of CuII in the presence of humic acid

The removal of CuII (10 mg L-1) complexed by commercial humic acid (100 mg L-1) was studied at different current densities (30-80 mA cm-2) using a filter-press cell, Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2 anode and stainless steel cathode. The electrolyses were performed with and without membrane separating the cell compartments [(homogeneous anionic (Nafion R117), heterogeneous cationic (Ionac MC-3470) and heterogeneous anionic (Ionac MA-3475)]. The influence of the membrane on the rate of CuII removal was bigger for cationic membranes. Current efficiencies up to ca. 55% (Ionac MC-3470) for CuII removal at 30 mA cm-2 were obtained. By combining oxidation and reduction, 100% CuII removal was achieved at current efficiencies of 75%. The main path for the removal is the electrostatic interaction with the anode followed by diffusion through the membrane and deposition at the cathode. Additionally, the oxidative degradation of humic acid contributes to the rate of CuII removal.