Electrolytic ferrite formation system for heavy metal removal

An electrolytic coagulation process was developed for removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewaters. The process consists of an electro-bath in which hexavalent chromium is reduced to trivalent chromium, polymer coagulation and settling, and formation of ferrite in the settled sludge. Ferrite sludge is separated in a magnetic separator. The chromium in ferrite sludge is not soluble in water. Phosphate and silicon dioxide also are incorporated into the ferrite sludge. Supernatant water from the settling contains very little chromium.