Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based wastewater treatment - unexpected nitration side reactions - a serious environmental issue: A review

Abstract Chemical compounds containing nitro group (nitro-products) are a one of toxic by-products, that can be formed during wastewater treatment processes. In case of presence of nitrite or nitrate ions, the formation of nitro-products during advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is very common. It is caused by the reactive nitrogen species (RNs) such as nitrate radical (NO3•), nitrite radical (NO2•), nitrogen oxide radical (NO•) and peroxynirite (ONOO–). In fact, the oxidative degradation of N-containing pollutants releases nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ions. In some cases, secondary reactions of mineralised nitrogen species (nitrate and nitrite ions) with the parent or intermediate compound generate next several nitro-products. The nitro-products are more toxic comparing to the primary pollutants and act as the precursors of the nitrogenous disinfection by-products. Moreover, some studies reported unexpected nitro-products formation during the oxidative degradation. In case of such processes a special attention should be made to monitor and minimize these effects. De-nitration of the initial nitro-compounds induces the formation of various nitro-products in AOPs. It was observed for UV light driven, Fenton and persulfate based AOPs. The sonochemical nitrogen fixation is a key mechanism for the formation of nitro-compounds in ultrasounds based AOPs. Therefore, this paper is focused on comparison of various AOPs in terms of nitro-products formation mechanisms and the associated environmental issues.