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Field Demonstrations of Electrocoagulation in Arsenic-Contaminated Water Treatment in South Korea and Vietnam

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This technical report reviews recent advances in electrocoagulation (EC) for use in arsenic removal and highlights field demonstrations in South Korea and Vietnam.Fe-based EC has emerged as a simple, cost-effective method that reliably realizes the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guideline of 10 µg/L.Improved processes, such as air-cathode EC and ultrasound oxidation, considerably accelerate the treatment rate.Field applications in South Korea, including the Geumjeong mine, Bonghwa, and naturally contaminated groundwater in Chungnam, confirmed that Fe-based EC consistently satisfied the WHO standard in mining effluent and naturally contaminated groundwater.In Vietnam, EC was applied at household and community scales, demonstrating stable operation and providing safe drinking water for tens to hundreds of residents.Coupling with solar power enabled reliable performances in areas with limited infrastructure.These demonstrations highlight the practicality and scalability of EC as a key technology for use in decentralized water treatment and safe water supply.

Source: Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers

DOI: 10.32390/ksmer.2025.62.5.513

Authors: Sangwoo Ji, Seungil Pak, Chamteut Oh

Institutions: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Arsenic contamination and mitigation

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4415946864