-
Engineering and technology
- (Waste)water treatment processes
Advanced oxidation and reduction technologies have emerged as pivotal methods for water treatment and reuse, particularly in the removal of persistent micropollutants such as PFAS and and pharmaceuticals. These technologies utilize highly reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals and reductive agents, to degrade complex contaminants into less harmful substances. Coupling such technologies with e.g. activated carbon filtration enhances the overall efficacy, as activated carbon adsorbs residual pollutants, ensuring more comprehensive removal. Furthermore, the integration of on-line surrogate measurements, such as UV-VIS spectroscopy, facilitates real-time monitoring of treatment efficiency, providing possibilities for process control and optimisation. Such continuous monitoring is crucial for optimizing treatment conditions and ensuring consistent water quality. Additionally, advanced oxidation and reduction processes can increase the biodegradability of treated water, making subsequent biological treatment steps (such as activated sludge treatment or biological activated carbon) more effective. Overall, the synergistic use of advanced oxidation and reduction processes with complementary technologies represents a robust approach to addressing contemporary water treatment challenges.