Ultrasound-assisted oxidants for the degradation of organic pollutants: A state-of-the-art mechanistic review

Abstract

The increasing presence of organic pollutants in wastewater has become a major concern, primarily due to rapid population growth and ongoing technological advancements that deplete water resources. Consequently, water bodies are becoming increasingly polluted, posing significant risks to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies to ensure clean water and sanitation for both present and future generations. Ultrasound-based oxidants (US/oxidants) are emerging as effective technologies for removing pollutants from water and wastewater. This review compiles recent progress in the use of US/oxidants, including US/persulfates, US/hydrogen peroxide, US/ozone, US/chlorine, US/permanganate, US/periodate, and US/peracetic acid, for the removal of various organic pollutants. It provides comprehensive explanations of the mechanisms and reactions involved in each process, outlines the production of reactive agents, and compares the applications of each process for the degradation and treatment of pollutants. Furthermore, the review evaluates the performance of these processes on real wastewater, discusses their advantages and limitations, and highlights the challenges and future prospects, offering valuable insights into the practical application of US/oxidants for pollutant remediation in wastewater.