The objective of this study is to remove copper and lead by optimizing operating parameters such as pH, electrolysis time and inter-electrode distance using the electrocoagulation process on a pilot scale with aluminum electrodes. During this experiment, the pH was varied between 1.8 and 9; the electrolysis time between 0 and 25 hours and the inter-electrode distance between 20 and 25 cm in order to obtain the best operating conditions. The electrical energy consumed and the operating cost were also evaluated. After treatment, the optimal pH is 5.2; the electrolysis time is 25 hours, the inter-electrode distance is 25 cm, and the electrical energy consumed is estimated at 12.24 KWh/m3 and the operating cost at 3.48 USD/m3. The results obtained show that electrocoagulation can be applied on a pilot scale.
