ElectroChemical Arsenic Remediation (ECAR)

The ECAR is a conventional aqueous electrolysis process with two submerged electrodes, anode and cathode. During the electrolysis process, arsenic-III is oxidized at the anode to arsenic-V and simultaneously, iron-III-hydroxide as a coagulant, is generated. The iron-III-hydroxide flocs are active adsorbents for arsenic-V. Arsenic loaded iron flocs are removed by settling and/or filtration.

The licensee provides support. During the first several implementations, researchers will aid in the process until licensee is capable. ^{Interview with representative}

Safe for US landfill disposal; produces 300 g/person/year of waste; A method for incorporating arsenic-laden waste into concrete is being used in China to dispose of arsenic without risk of leaching.

Preliminary testing found that groundwater containing 250 µg/l of Arsenic was consistently reduced to below the WHO maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 µg/l over serveral months. Trivalent Arsenite is oxidized to pentavalent arsenate, allowing it to be adsorbed more strongly. ElectroChemical Arsenic Removal (ECAR) for Rural Bangladesh – Merging Technology with Sustainable Implementation found the ECAR could reduce arsenic levels > 500 ppb to less than 10 ppb (0.01 mg/L) in synthetic and real Bangladesh groundwater samples.

ECAR produces arsenic-laden iron sludge that must be disposed of appropriately. The technology uses low voltage electricity. ECAR does not require handling of highly acidic or corrosive chemicals for regeneration or cleaning.