Abstract: Using the quadratic general rotary combined design method, the effects of gelatin mass fraction, starch mass fraction, sodium chloride mass fraction and electrolysis time on the protein removal rate were systematically analyzed. In these experiments, the protein was simulated by using gelatin. The optimal treatment parameters were obtained as follow: gelatin mass fraction of 2.5%, starch mass fraction of 3%, sodium chloride mass fraction of 0.3%, and electrolysis time of 20 min. The optimal removal rate of protein was predicted to be 66.6% according to mathematical model. Under the conditions of these parameters, the protein flocculation test in tannery wastewater was carried out, and the actual protein removal rate was 56.4% with the energy consumption of 3.67×10^-4 kW·h. Therefore, the electro-assisted starch flocculation method can provide an environmentally friendly and efficient new method for the removal of protein from tannery wastewater.