Progress in the biological and chemical treatment technologies for emerging contaminant removal from wastewater: a critical review

Progress in the biological and chemical treatment technologies for emerging contaminant removal from wastewater: a critical review

| Mohammad Boshir Ahmed, John L. Zhou, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Nikolaos S Thomaidis, Jiang Xu
This review evaluates the effectiveness of biological, chemical, and hybrid technologies for the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) from wastewater. It highlights that biological processes such as activated sludge, membrane bioreactor (MBR), and microalgae-based systems are effective for removing ECs like endocrine disruptors (EDCs), surfactants, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical oxidation processes such as ozonation, UV photolysis, and photo-Fenton can achieve high removal efficiencies for pesticides, beta blockers, and pharmaceuticals. Hybrid systems combining ozonation with biological activated carbon or ozonation with ultrasound show high efficiency in removing various ECs. The review also discusses challenges in EC removal, including the need for further research to improve treatment technologies and address environmental and health impacts. Key findings include that activated sludge and MBR are effective for EDCs, while biological activated carbon is effective for pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Ozonation is effective for a wide range of ECs, but its high energy consumption and by-product formation are concerns. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating different technologies to enhance EC removal and reduce environmental risks.This review evaluates the effectiveness of biological, chemical, and hybrid technologies for the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) from wastewater. It highlights that biological processes such as activated sludge, membrane bioreactor (MBR), and microalgae-based systems are effective for removing ECs like endocrine disruptors (EDCs), surfactants, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical oxidation processes such as ozonation, UV photolysis, and photo-Fenton can achieve high removal efficiencies for pesticides, beta blockers, and pharmaceuticals. Hybrid systems combining ozonation with biological activated carbon or ozonation with ultrasound show high efficiency in removing various ECs. The review also discusses challenges in EC removal, including the need for further research to improve treatment technologies and address environmental and health impacts. Key findings include that activated sludge and MBR are effective for EDCs, while biological activated carbon is effective for pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Ozonation is effective for a wide range of ECs, but its high energy consumption and by-product formation are concerns. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating different technologies to enhance EC removal and reduce environmental risks.
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