Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for water purification and recovery

All advanced oxidation processes (AOP) are characterised by a common chemic al feature: the capability of exploiting the high reactivity of HO radicals in driving oxidation processes which are suitable for achieving the comple te abatement and through mineralization of even less reactive pollutants. T he different AOP are considered and critically presented according to their specific features with reference, whenever possible, to their real applica tions for water pollution abatement. The experimental apparatus and working procedures which can be adopted for carrying out waste water treatments by AOP application are examined. Some remarks upon treatment economics are pr ovided on the basis of the main parameters affecting the AOP costs. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.