Application of sulfate radicals-based advanced oxidation technology in degradation of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs): Recent advances and prospects

The large amount of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in wastewater has caused serious impacts on human health. In the past few years, Sulfate radical (SO4 center dot-) based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are widely recognized for their high removal rates of recalcitrant TrOCs from water. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and per sulfate (PS) are stable and non-toxic strong oxidizing oxidants and can act as excellent SO(4)(center dot-)precursors. Compared with hydroxyl radicals(.OH)-based methods, SR-AOPs have a series of advantages, such as long halflife and wide pH range, the oxidation capacity of SO(4)(center dot-)approaches or even exceeds that of .OH under suitable conditions. In this review, we present the progress of activating PS/PMS to remove TrOCs by different methods. These methods include activation by transition metal, ultrasound, UV, etc. Possible activation mechanisms and influencing factors such as pH during the activation are discussed. Finally, future activation studies of PS/PMS are summarized and prospected. This review summarizes previous experiences and presents the current status of SR-AOPs application for TrOCs removal. Misconceptions in research are avoided and a research basis for the removal of TrOCs is provided.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the progress in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS)/persulfate (PS) for the removal of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) from wastewater. Different activation methods such as transition metals, ultrasound, and UV are discussed, along with the influencing factors like pH during activation. The review provides a summary of previous experiences and presents the current status of research on sulfate radical (SO4 center dot-)-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) for TrOCs removal, avoiding misconceptions and providing a research basis for future studies.