## 4 Conclusions  
This study presents the first application of a hybrid EC system combining Al electrodes, zeolite, and NdFeB magnet assistance for treating complex compost-derived wastewater. The pH rapidly increased in the first 5 min and stabilized, with no notable magnetic influence. The temperature increase is slightly higher in magnet-assisted treatments, enhancing reaction kinetics but requiring control to prevent thermal pollution. COD and turbidity reductions were highest in longer magnet-assisted treatments (30 min), with an up to 89.87% COD and 98.59% turbidity decrease, respectively, while shorter treatments showed limited benefits. Total solids decreased under all conditions; magnetic influence was noticeable only in short-duration experiments. General and pitting corrosion is observed on anodes, and their mass loss increased with time. The magnetic field acts as a dynamic factor that intensifies the aggressiveness of the process in the initial stages but with prolonged treatment duration contributes to the reduction of overall damage, especially localized corrosion. The magnetic field improved sludge settling during shorter treatments (10-20 min) by enhancing particle aggregation, while longer treatments (30 min) performed better without it, likely due to natural stabilization over time. Although magnet-assisted ECZ can improve removal efficiency and settling under specific conditions, it may increase energy input. The gap between theoretical and actual electrode loss, especially in high-organic-load solutions, underscores the complexity of surface reactions. The values of Faraday efficiency are in the range of 50.89-65.82%. Taguchi's hybrid ECZ and ECZ-MAG process optimization effectively connects the physico-chemical efficiency, electrode consumption, and phase separation dynamics. The targeted achievement of maximum COD reduction, highest deposition rate, minimum turbidity, and electrode consumption resulted in optimal processing conditions, without the use of magnets, at 350 rpm and a duration of 20 min. Although these conditions are associated with increased electrode degradation, they have proven necessary to achieve balanced and satisfactory results in wastewater treatment. Thus, magnetic fields offer potential benefits but require careful optimization to balance treatment efficiency, energy requirements, and sludge separation. Results in this paper highlight the hybrid EC combining aluminum electrodes, zeolite, and magnetic assistance as a promising and adaptable strategy for the treatment of complex compost-derived wastewater. The performance of the system is highly influenced by operational parameters such as contact time, mixing intensity, and the application of a magnetic field. Notably, the effectiveness of magnetic assistance appears to be electrode material-dependent, with aluminum electrodes showing enhanced pollutant removal and improved sludge settling, particularly during shorter treatment durations. This contrasts with previous findings using iron electrodes, where magnetic effects were less pronounced. Thus, even the magnetic field can improve system performance; its application should be carefully optimized to balance treatment efficiency with energy consumption, solid-liquid separation dynamics, and electrode stability. N.V.M., L.V. and S.G.: Formal analysis, Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Validation, Writing--original draft, Supervision, Writing--review and editing. S.S.: Conceptualization, Writing--original draft, Methodology, Software, Modeling, Supervision, Writing--review and editing. L.P.: Formal analysis, Investigation. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. The results presented in this paper were funded by the institutional funds of the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Croatia, and are part of the Croatian-Slovenian bilateral project \"Augmentation, Intensification, and Development of New Integrated Wastewater Treatment Processes\". Not applicable.