Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

As industries and municipalities strive for cleaner and more sustainable wastewater management, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have emerged as a revolutionary treatment technology. AOPs are highly effective in degrading persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and even pathogens that conventional wastewater treatment methods struggle to eliminate.

At AIMEQUIP, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art AOP solutions that ensure compliance, sustainability, and cost efficiency for your wastewater treatment needs. Whether you are dealing with industrial effluents, municipal wastewater, or landfill leachate, our expert team can customize an AOP system to meet your exact requirements.

What Are Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)?

AOPs refer to a set of chemical treatment methods designed to generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which aggressively break down organic contaminants in wastewater. These radicals have an oxidation potential of 2.8 V, making them one of the most powerful oxidizing agents available.

The core principle of AOPs is to chemically convert non-biodegradable pollutants into biodegradable substances or fully mineralize them into harmless byproducts like water and carbon dioxide.

By incorporating AOPs into your wastewater treatment system, you gain a powerful tool to eliminate even the most stubborn pollutants, ensuring cleaner water discharge and greater environmental responsibility.

Key Types of Advanced Oxidation Processes

1- Ozone-Based AOPs (O₃ & O₃/H₂O₂)

• Ozone (O₃) Treatment: Ozone alone is a powerful oxidant, capable of breaking down organic contaminants, pathogens, and industrial chemicals.
• Ozone with Hydrogen Peroxide (O₃/H₂O₂): The addition of hydrogen peroxide enhances the production of hydroxyl radicals, improving pollutant degradation efficiency.

Advantages:

• Effective for removing pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)
• Oxidizes color, odor, and taste compounds in wastewater
• Minimal sludge production compared to conventional treatment methods

2- UV-Based AOPs (UV/H₂O₂ & UV/O₃)

• UV/H₂O₂ Treatment: This process combines ultraviolet (UV) light with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to generate hydroxyl radicals.
• UV/Ozone (UV/O₃) Treatment: UV light enhances the decomposition of ozone, increasing the generation of hydroxyl radicals.

Advantages:

• Removes emerging contaminants like antibiotics, pesticides, and industrial solvents
• Works effectively in tertiary treatment stages for high-purity water applications
• No chemical residues left in the treated water

3- Fenton Process (H₂O₂/Fe²⁺)

• The Fenton reaction uses hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and iron salts (Fe²⁺) to generate hydroxyl radicals in acidic conditions.
• It is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment due to its efficiency in breaking down refractory organic pollutants.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective compared to ozone-based AOPs
• High oxidation potential, making it effective for industrial applications
• Can be applied for in-situ remediation of contaminated groundwater

4- Electrochemical AOPs (EAOPs)

• This technique utilizes electrochemical reactions to produce hydroxyl radicals via anodic oxidation or electro-Fenton processes.
• EAOPs are gaining popularity for treating recalcitrant pollutants in industrial wastewater.

Advantages:

• Highly efficient for removing persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
• Can be integrated with renewable energy sources for sustainable operation
• Produces fewer secondary pollutants

Applications of AOPs in Wastewater Treatment

1- Industrial Wastewater Treatment

AOPs are widely used in industries where wastewater contains hazardous organic pollutants that are difficult to degrade.

• Textile Industry: Removes dyes, chemicals, and microfibers.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Eliminates antibiotic residues and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Chemical Manufacturing: Destroys persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and toxic byproducts.

2- Municipal Wastewater Treatment

• AOPs help in removing pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and microplastics from municipal wastewater, ensuring safer discharge into the environment.
• Used as a tertiary treatment step for producing high-quality reclaimed water.

3- Drinking Water Purification

• AOPs play a crucial role in treating groundwater and surface water sources by removing contaminants like pesticides, algal toxins, and pathogens.

4- Landfill Leachate Treatment

• Due to the complexity and high pollutant concentration of landfill leachate, AOPs provide an efficient method for reducing organic load and toxicity.

Benefits of AOPs Over Conventional Treatment Methods

Why Choose AOPs from AIMEQUIP?

• Superior Contaminant Removal: Removes pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, dyes, and industrial solvents.
• Minimal Sludge Production: Unlike traditional methods, AOPs generate little to no sludge, reducing disposal costs.
• Custom Solutions: Our team assesses your wastewater characteristics and recommends the most effective AOP configuration.
• Energy-Efficient & Cost-Effective: We offer optimized systems that maximize oxidation efficiency while keeping operational costs low.
• Future-Proof Your Treatment Process: AOPs ensure your compliance with evolving wastewater discharge regulations.

Let AIMEQUIP Handle Your AOP Implementation

Implementing AOPs technology requires expertise, precision, and the right equipment. At AIMEQUIP, we provide end-to-end solutions, from system design and installation to ongoing support and maintenance. Our team of experts ensures that your wastewater treatment system operates efficiently, meeting both regulatory and sustainability goals.

If you’re looking to upgrade your wastewater treatment with cutting-edge AOPs technology, AIMEQUIP is your trusted partner. We deliver customized, high-performance solutions tailored to your industry’s unique challenges.

Contact us today to learn how AIM Equipment can enhance your wastewater treatment process with Advanced Oxidation Processes.