Sustainable approaches to the Fenton process for wastewater treatment: A review

Abstract

Due to the rapid growth of population and industrialization the generation of wastewater increases many folds and their proper treatment and disposal become very challenging. Several methods for their treatment have been reported but most of them are inefficient to treat the variety of recalcitrant compounds present in wastewater. The effective treatment of such compounds required special attention to protecting the environment and public health. The applications of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in that context have been found very attractive and efficient technologies. Almost all the AOPs are having some limitations, hence the overall purpose is not served successfully. The present review shows the limitations of the classical Fenton process (CFP) and their possible solutions considering sustainable approaches. The three well-known limitations of the Fenton process are; low pH requirement, high dosage of chemicals involvement, and large sludge production. The possible solutions for overcoming the limitations are considered; process optimization strategies, treatment with low Fe2+ dosage, stepwise dosing of the reagents, and sludge reuse systems. So, by applying the above techniques process becomes cost-effective and environmentally friendly, which also favors the 3R’s system; reduce, reuse and recycle.