Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs) are emerging water treatment technologies based on the in situ electrogeneration of high oxidant species. Among EAOPs, anodic oxidation (AO) is acknowledged as one of the most promising approaches to generate reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radical (<sup>●</sup>OH) which completely mineralize organic pollutants. Hydroxyl radical is generated onto the anode surface as an intermediate of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) when using electrocatalytic materials with high OER overpotential. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes are the preferred electrocatalytic materials since yield great amounts of physisorbed <sup>●</sup>OH that induce the electrochemical incineration of organic pollutants.  Biofouling is one of major challenges in water treatment due to the detrimental impact on critical surfaces in water systems such as pipes, heat exchangers or membranes. Electrochemical treatment technologies are surface driven processes where the formation of biofilms can decrease treatment performance. Water treatment capabilities of AO have been evaluated mainly during the treatment of synthetic wastewaters. Continuous treatment and long term performance, where biofouling may arise as a challenge, have not been considered. Herein, we discuss the effect of biofilm growth on BDD anode surfaces and their potential detrimental effects. Moreover, we analyze the biofilm removal capabilities as well as the biofilm prevention during continuous operation. The understanding of biofilm effects are of high relevance when considering continuous application of EAOPs for wastewater and industrial effluents treatment.

Biofouling effects on boron-doped diamond anodes in water treatment

256th National Meeting (2018)

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