Tratamiento circular de agua subterránea mediante electrodiálisis capacitiva para uso industrial

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. The treatment of brackish groundwater by capacitive electrodialysis (CED) is presented as an innovative alternative to improve water quality. This study evaluates the efficiency of CED in the removal of dissolved salts from well water in Chanduy parish, Ecuador, with the objective of reducing conductivity and improving its viability for industrial applications. The project was developed using a pilot CED system with ion exchange membranes and activated carbon electrodes. Tests were carried out with voltages of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 V, with a water recovery rate of 50% and flow rates of 600, 800 and 1000 ml/min. Physicochemical tests were performed before and after treatment, measuring conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, temperature, and presence of key ions. The results showed a significant reduction in electrical conductivity, reaching up to 69 % removal of dissolved salts and 85 % removal of ions, with a flow rate of 600 ml/min and 8 V. In addition, lower energy consumption was evidenced compared to reverse osmosis (RO), with specific energy consumption values between 0.1 and 0.38 kWh/m³ vs. 0.63 kWh/m³ of RO. It is concluded that capacitive electrodialysis is an efficient and sustainable technology for the treatment of saline groundwater, with advantages in terms of energy efficiency, versatility, economic resources and water recovery. Its implementation would contribute to the optimization of water resource use in areas with water deficit. Keywords: Capacitive electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, flow, voltage, ions, industry, specific energy consumption.