Presence of excess nitrate in groundwater is threatening to public health. A novel three-dimensional electrolysis reactor (3D-ER) packed with activated carbon and foamed copper was investigated for enhanced electrolytic reduction of nitrate. Research results of linear sweep voltammetry and potentiostatic electrolysis showed that nitrate was first reduced to nitrite and then further reduced to ammonia or nitrogen gas. During batch electrolysis in nonchloride media at 2.0 A, nitrate could be successfully removed with a first order kinetic constant of 0.465 L/(h·A) and 36% selectivity to nitrogen gas using 3D-ER, which were six times faster than a two-dimensional electrolysis reactor (2D-ER). Addition of 300 mg/L chloride led to a 56% decreased nitrate removal rate, but enhanced removal of total nitrogen to 86%. Higher initial nitrate concentrations, currents, and lower chloride concentrations were beneficial for nitrate removal. 3D-ER can be successfully applied to groundwater treatment with nitrate reduction from 19.9 to 9.0 mg N/L within 6 h, which meets the standard for drinking water sources. This research presents a path forward for removal of nitrate using a nonbiogenic method, which is needed for water sources such as groundwater.
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