Advanced oxidation processes for industrial effluent treatment

Abstract Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are promising technologies for the treatment of wastewater streams containing toxic and persistent organic impurities. These processes involve the in situ production of highly reactive and nonselective hydroxyl radicals (•OH). The radicals can be generated in the presence of H2O2, O3, and ultraviolet radiation. Their generation rate can be enhanced by adding suitable catalysts. Fenton's oxidation is a classic example of a homogenous AOP in which Fe2+ ions serve as the catalyst with H2O2 as the oxidant. Recent advancements reveal that Fenton-like and photocatalytic processes (using heterogeneous catalysts) are among the most popular and efficient AOPs for the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater streams. This chapter presents the fundamentals and mechanistic details of the above two processes. Subsequently, the latest literature on the performance of these AOPs for removal of organics from industrial wastewater treatment is also reviewed.