Advanced Electrochemical Oxidation Processes for Emerging Contaminant Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are ineffective in removing emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and surfactants, that are detected in wastewater at low concentrations and exhibit poor biodegradability. This problem is becoming increasingly critical due to its potential long-term adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop techniques that can be implemented as quaternary treatments in WWTPs to reduce both the concentration and toxicity of these contaminants. In fact, many countries already require an 80% reduction in the concentration of emerging contaminants in WWTPs.

Advanced Electrochemical Oxidation Processes (AEOPs) are one of the most promising techniques for implementation as quaternary treatments in WWTPs. AEOPs are capable of degrading persistent organic compounds without the need for added chemicals, completely oxidizing them to CO₂ or transforming them into biodegradable compounds. The current research focuses on the following topics:

• The development of new anode materials that offer a balance between efficiency and economic viability.
• The analysis of degradation pathways for emerging contaminants.
• The application of AEOPs to real-world waters with multiple emerging contaminants.
• The reduction in final effluent toxicity, as unwanted intermediate products may form.

Contributions to this Special Issue should advance the understanding of oxidation mechanisms, improve degradation and mineralization yields in an economically viable manner, and implement AEOPs in real-world applications, not just at the laboratory scale.

Prof. Dr. María Teresa Montañés Sanjuan
Guest Editor

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