Question

What is electrophoresis? How is the phenomenon useful in sewage disposal?

Answer 1

Electrophoresis is the migration of electrically charged colloidal particles in one direction under an electric field. In sewage disposal, this phenomenon is useful because sewage contains charged colloidal dirt particles. When sewage passes through a tunnel with metallic electrodes at a high voltage, these particles move toward oppositely charged electrodes, coagulate, and can be removed. The coagulated matter can also be used as manure, thus aiding in sewage treatment and waste utilization.