Emerging Contaminants: An Overview of Recent Trends for Their Treatment and Management Using Light-Driven Processes

The management of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water bodies is particularly challenging due to the difficulty in detection and their recalcitrant degradation by conventional means. In this review, CECs are characterized to give insights into the potential degradation performance of similar compounds. A two-pronged approach was then proposed for the overall management of CECs. Light-driven oxidation processes, namely photo/Fenton, photocatalysis, photolysis, UV/Ozone were discussed. Advances to overcome current limitations in these light-driven processes were proposed, focusing on recent trends and innovations. Light-based detection methodology was also discussed for the management of CECs. Lastly, a cost-benefit analysis on various light-based processes was conducted to access the suitability for CECs degradation. It was found that the UV/Ozone process might not be suitable due to the complication with pH adjustments and limited light wavelength. It was found that E-EO values were in this sequence: UV only > UV/combination > photocatalyst > UV/O-3 > UV/Fenton > solar/Fenton. The solar/Fenton process has the least computed E-EO < 5 kWh m(-3) and great potential for further development. Newer innovations such as solar/catalyst can also be explored with potentially lower E-EO values.

Automated summary

The management of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water bodies is challenging due to detection difficulty and recalcitrant degradation. Various light-driven oxidation processes were discussed, with a focus on overcoming limitations and recent innovations. Cost-benefit analysis suggested the solar/Fenton process has the lowest energy consumption and potential for further development.