Abstract: A method for the removal of contaminants from a contaminated water stream, by pretreating the contaminated water stream to yield a pretreated water stream, wherein pretreating comprises passing the contaminated water stream to at least one electrocoagulation cell wherein coagulation of contaminants is promoted, yielding an electrocoagulated stream; and separating coagulated contaminants from the electrocoagulated stream. An electrocoagulation reactor comprising a plurality of electrodes positioned parallel to each other and provided with a means of energizing each electrode; a fluid inlet for an inlet stream comprising contaminated water; a fluid outlet for an outlet stream comprising electrocoagulated products; a flow distributor system; and a gas distribution system for injecting a gas into the electrocoagulation reactor. An electrocoagulation system for treating a contaminated water stream, the system comprising at least one electrocoagulation reactor.

Abstract: The invention is an improved filtration module. The filtration system comprises a filter vessel having two or more filtrate outlets mounted at opposite ends of the filter vessel. Alternatively, a seal is placed between the filter vessel and membrane element contained therein to direct the flow of fluid through the membrane element. The presence of two or more filtrate outlets and/or a seal enhances the performance of the filtration system.