Heterogeneous Advanced Oxidation Processes (HE-AOPs) for the Removal of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds—Pros and Cons

Abstract

AbstractThe release and presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in water bodies has created concerns in terms of ecological and health considerations. Hence, various biological and physico/chemical treatment methods have been developed to address these pollutants. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are based on the generation of reactive species in the medium with the ability to decompose complex organic compounds, including PhACs. Such techniques are generally divided into homogenous (HO-AOPs) and heterogeneous (HE-AOPs) systems and can be further classified based on the need for an external source of energy into energy-free and energy-intensive AOPs. This chapter has aimed to assess the applicability of heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes (HE-AOPs) for the removal of PhACs from (waste)waters, including catalytic ozonation, activation of oxidation agents using heterogeneous catalysts, and photocatalytic and electrophotocatalytic techniques. The mechanisms involved in the HE-AOPs for the removal of PhACs have also been discussed, and the need for further studies has been highlighted in the present chapter.KeywordsPharmaceutically active compoundsHeterogeneous advanced oxidation processesRemoval mechanismsSustainability