Statistical Optimization of Electrocoagulation on Membrane Fouling During Electrodialysis Process of Run‐Off Water Loaded With Road De‐Icing Salts

ABSTRACT

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study to investigate how the lifespan and performance of ion‐exchange membranes are affected during electrodialysis of run‐off water laden with road de‐icing salts. This study focuses on optimizing electrocoagulation (EC) and sand filtration as pretreatment methods to reduce membrane clogging in electrodialysis desalination of road run‐off water from de‐icing salts (RRWs). The goal was to minimize membrane fouling. Using factorial and central composite designs, 26 experiments were conducted to identify optimal EC conditions for turbidity and suspended solids (SS) removal. Results showed that electrolysis time was the most significant factor, achieving 78% SS and 86% turbidity removal. The optimal conditions—1.8 A for 3.8 min using an aluminium electrode—achieved over 98% removal. Sand filtration, by comparison, achieved 73.8% SS removal and 66% turbidity removal. Electrodialysis of clarified RRWs revealed that sand filtration led to a 10% decrease in chloride‐ion separation and a 7% increase in energy consumption compared to EC pretreatment.