Removal of copper ions from electroplating rinse water using electrodeionization

Abstract

An improved configuration of the membrane stack was adopted in the electrodeionization (EDI) cell to prevent precipitation of bivalent metal hydroxide during the running. The operational parameters that influenced the removal of copper ions from the dilute solution were optimized. The result showed that a moderate decrease in the inlet pH value and a moderate increase in the applied voltage could achieve a better removal effect. The steady process of electroplating wastewater treatment could be achieved with a removal efficiency of more than 99.5% and an enrichment factor of 5∼14. The concentration of copper in purified water was less than 0.23 mg/L. This demonstrated the applicability of recovering heavy metal ions and purified water from electroplating effluent for industrial reuse.