Next-Gen Advanced Oxidation Processes and their Role for Elimination of Pharmaceutical Emerging Pollutants from Waters

Amidst growing concerns over global water scarcity and pollution, the persistent challenge of pharmaceutical pollutants in water sources highlights the limitations of conventional water treatment methods. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) offer a promising solution by utilizing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals to degrade these complex molecules. This study explores the efficacy of various AOPs, including UV/03, Electrochemical oxidation, and sonochemistry, in the experimental degradation of such pollutants. By examining recent advancements in AOP technologies like enhanced photolysis and catalysis, this research assesses their potential to not only degrade challenging pollutants but also reduce operational costs and energy consumption, thus paving the way for their application in large-scale wastewater treatment scenarios. The study underscores the urgent need for adopting these innovative technologies to address severe environmental and public health risks, while also supporting sustainable development goals.