Cost comparison of advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment using accumulated oxygen-equivalent criteria

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have received a lot of attention over the years as advanced physico-chemical polishing wastewater treatments to remove biorefractory pollutants. Additionally, many studies report their excellent degradation and mineralization performance stand-alone technologies too, demonstrating versatility these processes; however, there is lack suitable methods compare (in terms removal efficiency operating costs) different AOPs in same conditions. In this context, goal paper propose systematic investigation by introducing novel criterion, namely accumulated oxygen-equivalent chemical-oxidation dose (AOCD), systematically diverse available: ozonation, H2O2 photolysis, Fenton, photo-Fenton, electro-Fenton photoelectro-Fenton (paired with anodic oxidation, for latter two). For each these, cost was determined optimizing conditions phenol, selected model pollutant (1.4 mM, equivalent 100 mg-C L?1). The costs considered sludge management, chemical use electricity consumption. Among all AOPs, most cost-effective (108 - 125 € m?3), notwithstanding target (50%, 75% 99%), owing its electrocatalytic behavior. Chemical Fenton proved competitive too up 50% mineralization, meaning that it could also be pre-treatment solution. AOCD lowest electro-Fenton, which attributed faradaic yield, while UV-based generally required highest dose. criterion serve baseline AOP comparison prove useful legislator determine “best available techniques” defined Industrial Emissions European Union Directive 2010/75/EU.