Electro-Fenton and Induced Electro-Fenton as Versatile Wastewater Treatment Processes for Decontamination and Nutrient Removal without Byproduct Formation

It is a long-pursued goal to develop electrified water treatment technology that can remove contaminants without byproduct formation. This study unveiled the overlooked multifunctionality of electro-Fenton (EF) and induced EF (I-EF) processes organics, pathogens, phosphate in one step halogenated The I-EF used sacrificial anode or an electrode generate Fe2+ activate H2O2 produced from gas diffusion cathode fed by naturally diffused air. We experimental kinetic modeling approaches illustrate •OH generation radical speciation during were not impacted chloride. More importantly, reactive chlorine species quenched H2O2, which eliminated formation byproducts. When applied treating septic wastewater, process removed >80% COD, >50% carbamazepine (as representative trace organics), >99% at low energy consumption 0.37 Wh/L. also demonstrated broad-spectrum disinfection activities removing inactivating Escherichia coli, Enterococcus durans, model viruses MS2 Phi6. In contrast electrochemical oxidation (EO) yielded mg/L level byproducts achieve same degree treatment, did (chlorate, perchlorate, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids). carried over all advantages exhibited even faster kinetics removal with 50–80% less sludge production. Last, using wastewater as technical niche, we iron predictable manageable, clearing roadblocks toward on-site applications.