Advanced Oxidation in Water and Used Water Purification

Advanced oxidation processes have widespread application in drinking water and used water purification as many of the reactions involve destruction of organic and inorganic pollutants present in it. A characteristic of advanced oxidation processes is the capability of exploiting hydroxyl radical’s high reactivity by oxidizing these pollutants through their mineralization into even less reactive pollutants. This chapter describes various processes that employ different mechanisms by which such radicals are formed. These methods can use a mechanism alone or numerous mechanisms at a time to enhance the performance of that particular method. Major advantages and drawbacks of such methods are also discussed within the sections. Some remarks upon the economics and treatment efficiency of individual process are provided on the basis of the operating cost and post treatment of the effluent generated after the process.