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Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) in Treating Organic Pollutants

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 2144

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Interests: advanced oxidation processes; emerging contaminants; catalytic ozonation; electrochemical oxidation
State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
Interests: advanced oxidation processes; membrane water treatment; preparation and application of advanced nanomaterials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are crucial in modern environmental chemistry for addressing organic pollutants. These processes generate highly reactive compounds, like hydroxyl radicals, that degrade a wide range of contaminants. Key AOPs include methods such as Fenton's reaction, photocatalysis, and ozonation, as well as the use of advanced nanomaterials. These methods are essential for treating both persistent and emerging pollutants in water and wastewater.

This Special Issue of Molecules aims to collect cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews on the latest advancements in AOPs. We invite contributions exploring innovative methodologies, novel catalytic materials, and optimization strategies to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of AOPs. Studies on the mechanistic understanding of degradation pathways, intermediate product identification, and toxicity reduction are particularly welcome, providing insights into the holistic impact of AOPs on environmental health and sustainability.

Dr. Zhaokun Xiong
Dr. Zhiqiang Sun
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)
  • organic pollutants
  • hydroxyl radicals
  • ozonation
  • Fenton
  • persulfate
  • water and wastewater treatment
  • degradation pathways

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 4324 KiB  
Article
Radiolytic Elimination of Nabumetone from Aqueous Solution: Degradation Efficiency, and Degradants’ Toxicity
by Ivana Tartaro Bujak, David Klarić, Bono Lučić, Krunoslav Bojanić, Maro Bujak and Nives Galić
Molecules 2025, 30(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010064 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 360
Abstract
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), including ionizing radiation treatment, are increasingly recognized as an effective method for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nabumetone (NAB), a widely used NSAID prodrug, poses an environmental risk due to its persistence in aquatic [...] Read more.
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), including ionizing radiation treatment, are increasingly recognized as an effective method for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nabumetone (NAB), a widely used NSAID prodrug, poses an environmental risk due to its persistence in aquatic ecosystems and its potential toxicity to non-target organisms. In this study, the radiolytic degradation of NAB was investigated under different experimental conditions (dose rate, radical scavenging, pH, matrix effect), and the toxicity of its degradation products was evaluated. NAB was rapidly degraded at 300 Gy with prolonged irradiation. Mineralization of about 88% of NAB solutions was observed based on the evaluation of total organic carbon (TOC). The most efficient degradation of NAB occurred under N2O conditions, while it was retarded in the presence of thiourea. The water matrix components had a significant influence on the efficiency of degradation. In addition, the main degradation products were identified by LC-HRMS. Toxicity studies on different bacteria showed no significant impact of the NAB degradation products, while in silico predictive methods revealed their slightly increased toxicity compared to the parent compound, but considerably lower toxicity in comparison to its main active form 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (MNA). Additionally, significantly lower toxicities are predicted for degradation products in N2O saturated solution. These results underline the importance of optimizing irradiation parameters for effective degradation and minimizing the formation of harmful by-products. Understanding all aspects of the AOP processes and the toxicological effects of the degradation products ensures effective mitigation of potential environmental and health risks of water treatment processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) in Treating Organic Pollutants)
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17 pages, 1894 KiB  
Article
Kinetic Aspects of Ethylene Glycol Degradation Using UV-C Activated Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2/UV-C)
by Timur Fazliev, Mikhail Lyulyukin, Denis Kozlov and Dmitry Selishchev
Molecules 2025, 30(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010049 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a contaminant in the wastewater of airports because it is commonly used in aircraft deicing fluids during the cold season in northern regions. Ethylene glycol by itself has relatively low toxicity to mammals and aquatic organisms, but it can [...] Read more.
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a contaminant in the wastewater of airports because it is commonly used in aircraft deicing fluids during the cold season in northern regions. Ethylene glycol by itself has relatively low toxicity to mammals and aquatic organisms, but it can lead to a substantial increase in chemical and biological oxygen demands. The contamination of water with EG facilitates the rapid growth of microbial biofilms, which decreases the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water and negatively affects overall biodiversity. The development of a simple method to decompose EG with high efficiency and low operating costs is important. This study revealed that ethylene glycol can be completely oxidized using UV-C activated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2/UV-C) at a high rate (up to 56 mg L−1 h−1) at an optimum EG:H2O2 molar ratio of 1:10–1:15. Air purging the reaction mixture at 1000 cm3 min−1 increases the EG mineralization rate up to two times because the simultaneous action of UV-activated H2O2 and O2 (H2O2 + O2/UV-C) leads to a synergistic effect, especially at low EG:H2O2 ratios. The kinetics and mechanism of EG degradation are discussed on the basis of the concentration profiles of ethylene glycol and intermediate products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) in Treating Organic Pollutants)
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20 pages, 14575 KiB  
Article
Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by Co-Ni-Mo Sulfides/CNT for Organic Pollutant Degradation
by Shihao You, Jing Di, Tao Zhang, Yufeng Chen, Ruiqin Yang, Yesong Gao, Yin Li and Xikun Gai
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3633; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153633 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1043
Abstract
To explore advanced oxidation catalysts, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by Co-Ni-Mo/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite catalysts was investigated. A compound of NiCo2S4, MoS2, and CNTs was successfully prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. The results revealed that the [...] Read more.
To explore advanced oxidation catalysts, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by Co-Ni-Mo/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite catalysts was investigated. A compound of NiCo2S4, MoS2, and CNTs was successfully prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. The results revealed that the activation of PMS by Co-Ni-Mo/CNT yielded an exceptional Rhodamine B decolorization efficiency of 99% within 20 min for the Rhodamine B solution. The degradation rate of Co-Ni-Mo/CNT was 4.5 times higher than that of Ni-Mo/CNT or Co-Mo/CNT, and 1.9 times as much than that of Co-Ni/CNT. Additionally, radical quenching experiments revealed that the principal active groups were 1O2, surface-bound SO4•−, and •OH radicals. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited low metal ion leaching and favorable stability. Mechanism studies revealed that Mo4+ on the surface of MoS2 participated in the oxidation of PMS and the transformation of Co3+/Co2+ and Ni3+/Ni2+. The synergism between MoS2 and NiCo2S4 reduces the charge transfer resistance between the catalyst and solution interface, thus accelerating the reaction rate. Interconnected structures composed of metal sulfides and CNTs can also enhance the electron transfer process and afford sufficient active reaction sites. Our work provides a further understanding of the design of multi-metal sulfides for wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) in Treating Organic Pollutants)
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