Electrochemical Oxidation of Cyanide in Gold Mining Effluent Using Dimensionally Stable Anode Electrodes

Abstract

Cyanide-containing wastewater generated from gold mining operations represents a major environmental concern due to its high toxicity, persistence, and adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. The present study investigates the effectiveness of electrochemical oxidation for cyanide removal from gold mining effluent using dimensionally stable anode electrodes under controlled operational conditions. The research focuses on evaluating the influence of current density, electrolyte concentration, pH, reaction time, and electrode configuration on cyanide degradation efficiency and energy consumption. Experimental results demonstrate that electrochemical oxidation significantly enhances cyanide destruction through the generation of strong oxidizing species at the anode surface, leading to the conversion of toxic cyanide compounds into less harmful intermediates and final oxidation products. Dimensionally stable anode electrodes exhibit high electrochemical stability, corrosion resistance, and catalytic activity, contributing to improved treatment efficiency and prolonged operational lifespan. The study further examines the kinetics of cyanide oxidation and the impact of competing ions commonly present in mining wastewater on process performance. Results indicate that optimized operating parameters achieve substantial cyanide removal with reduced sludge generation and lower chemical requirements compared with conventional physicochemical treatment methods. In addition, the process demonstrates favorable adaptability for continuous industrial-scale wastewater treatment applications. Comparative evaluation confirms that electrochemical oxidation using dimensionally stable anodes provides an environmentally sustainable and operationally efficient approach for treating cyanide-contaminated mining effluent.