Henry Javier Vílchez Pérez , Cláudio Leite de Souza , Fabiana Passos , Mauricio Bustamante Roman , Erick Javier Centeno Mora
{"title":"Advancing wastewater management and resource recovery through mainstream liquid anaerobic co-digestion of wastewater and organic waste","authors":"Henry Javier Vílchez Pérez , Cláudio Leite de Souza , Fabiana Passos , Mauricio Bustamante Roman , Erick Javier Centeno Mora","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107493","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107493","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The management of wastewater (WW) and organic waste (OW) has emerged as a critical environmental concern, particularly in developing countries where the disposal of these waste streams continues to represent a significant global environmental challenge. Consequently, Liquid Anaerobic Co-Digestion (L-AcoD), an innovative process which involves the treatment of OW along with WW influent flow in anaerobic-based wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), has emerged as a promising solution, enhancing methane (CH₄) production and optimising energy recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of L-AcoD in increasing CH₄ yields, reducing emissions, and advancing energy self-sufficiency in anaerobic-based WWTPs. The experimental design was carried out to included two biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests, examining the effect of different WW:OW ratios (98:2, 97:3, 96:4 v/v) on methane yield. The first experiment was conducted at 35 °C, while the second was conducted at room temperature (RT: 23.25 ± 0.592 °C). The key findings indicate that L-AcoD can significantly divert OW to WWTPs, resulting in an average CH<sub>4</sub> yield that was up to 52 times higher than that from WW mono-digestion. In addition, the biodegradability of the waste was improved, and the energy self-sufficiency of the system was enhanced, with the potential to yield 22 kWh m<sup>−3</sup> for each cubic meter at RT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 107493"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143632152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanism and performance of efficient degradation of bisphenol A by BiOIO3 based on synergistic regulation of bismuth metal loading and iodine ion doping","authors":"Min Huang , Qian Ma , Shaozhe Huang , Yingxia Zeng , Xiangyu Xiao , Yinna Liang , Jianhua Xiong , Guoning Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photocatalytic technology has attracted much attention due to its environmental protection and high efficiency. In this study, BiOIO₃ was in situ reduced by a simple chemical reduction technique to prepare iodine-doped and Bi metal deposition-modified BiOIO₃ with a large number of oxygen vacancies. The results show that the material exhibits optimal performance when the concentration of NaBH₄ is 20 mmol/L, with the degradation rate of bisphenol A reaching three times that of pure BiOIO₃. This enhancement is achieved by varying the concentration of NaBH₄ to control the reduction extent of metallic Bi and the doping level of iodide ions. Moreover, the effects of pH, catalyst dosage, and other parameters on the degradation of bisphenol A were systematically discussed. It was found that I-BB@20 exhibited broad-spectrum degradation ability for rhodamine B, tetracycline, and mixed pollutants (CODcr removal rate 89 %). The material showed good stability and reusability, and its catalytic efficiency remained at 83.5 % after three experimental cycles. Various characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis of BiOIO₃ modified by iodine ion doping and Bi metal deposition, while the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction was elucidated. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis was used to propose the degradation pathway of bisphenol A (BPA) by the material, and the toxicity of BPA and its metabolites was evaluated using the T.E.S.T. toxicity analysis software. The results demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation of BPA by I-BB@20 could reduce its biological toxicity to some extent. This work provides a novel approach for developing efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalytic materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 107505"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jun Hou, Kemeng Wang, Zijun Yang, Miao Wu, Jun Guo, Xiao Xu, Yujiao Zhu, Jialin Yang, Jun Wu
{"title":"Carbon-based catalytic membranes for the removal of organic pollutants from water using persulfate advanced oxidation technology: A review","authors":"Jun Hou, Kemeng Wang, Zijun Yang, Miao Wu, Jun Guo, Xiao Xu, Yujiao Zhu, Jialin Yang, Jun Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Based on the unique structural characteristics and excellent catalytic performance of carbon-based materials, carbon-based catalytic membranes hold considerable potential for application in the treatment of wastewater using persulfate (PS) oxidation technology. Compared to traditional membrane filtration or advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), the strategy of activating PS with carbon-based catalytic membranes demonstrates significant advantages, especially in enhancing reaction efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing secondary pollution. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summary regarding the degradation of pollutants in the PS activation system by carbon-based catalytic membranes. Herein, we reviewed the latest research progress in this field. Firstly, we discussed the positive role of carbon-based catalytic membranes in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within PS system, capitalizing on the tunable functionality, controllable interlayer spacing, and porous architecture of carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Subsequently, we expounded on the degradation mechanism of the carbon-based catalytic membrane/PS system from three aspects: radical domination, non-radical domination, and the combined control of both radical and non-radical pathways. It is noteworthy that the nanoconfinement effect augments the ROS yield and mass transfer efficiency within the system, thereby accelerating the efficient degradation of pollutants. Finally, we summarize the practical applications of the carbon-based catalytic membrane/PS system in the removal of organic pollutants from water and offer perspectives on future research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 107466"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143631787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xingjian Zhang, Shukui Shi, Jiping Shi, Lu Ruan, Xin Li, Xiaoli Jin, Fengyun Su, Lin Guo, Haiquan Xie
{"title":"Flexible CuInS2 nanosheet arrays for simultaneous realization of solar water evaporation and photothermal-enhanced photodegradation","authors":"Xingjian Zhang, Shukui Shi, Jiping Shi, Lu Ruan, Xin Li, Xiaoli Jin, Fengyun Su, Lin Guo, Haiquan Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to develop a high-efficiency solar energy utilization system for water purification by synthesizing porous CuInS<sub>2</sub> (CIS) nanosheet arrays on a compacted stainless steel mesh (CSSM) using a facile solvothermal method. The CIS/CSSM system leverages interfacial heat to drive water evaporation and enhance photodegradation via photothermal effects. The porous architecture of both the CSSM and the black CIS nanosheets significantly improves light collection efficiency, achieving a solar absorption rate of 97.3 %, thereby facilitating efficient photothermal conversion. Under simulated 1-sun illumination, the system attains an evaporation rate of 1.43 kg m<sup>−2</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> with a high evaporation efficiency of 93.01 %. The cost-effective CSSM possesses robust chemical stability, making the CIS/CSSM an efficient solar purification system capable of distilling clean water from seawater, river water, and highly acidic/alkaline solutions. Furthermore, the system demonstrates excellent photothermal catalytic degradation, achieving 88.1 % degradation of ciprofloxacin solution. In outdoor sunlight, the system simultaneously maintains an evaporation rate of 1.23 kg m<sup>−2</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> and a photothermal degradation efficiency of 80.7 %, highlighting its potential application in water purification. This study integrates photothermal catalysis with solar-driven interfacial evaporation, offering a novel and efficient approach for wastewater treatment and water purification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 107509"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing the degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene using zero-valent magnesium in the presence of persulfate and hydrogen peroxide","authors":"Seok-Young Oh, Kideok Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) by persulfate and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of zero-valent magnesium (Mg(0)) was examined in a series of batch experiments. The degradation of DNT by Mg(0) alone was limited to 32 % after 24 h due to the rapid oxidation of Mg(0) and the formation of a passivation layer in the presence of oxygen. However, the combination of Mg(0) with persulfate or hydrogen peroxide greatly enhanced the degradation of DNT to 65 % and 90 % after 24 h, respectively. Quenching experiments with radical scavengers and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis showed that sulfate (SO<sub>4</sub><sup>−</sup>·) and hydroxyl (OH·) radicals were responsible for the enhancement of DNT degradation in the Mg(0)-persulfate/hydrogen peroxide systems. Analyses of total organic carbon and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand revealed that non-mineralized by-products remained in the systems and that the biodegradability of the non-mineralized by-products was significantly enhanced. To further enhance the degradation of DNT using the Mg(0)–persulfate/hydrogen peroxide systems, stepwise dosing of Mg(0) was employed, leading to DNT degradation rates of 83 % and 77 % after 2.5 h with persulfate and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Co-catalysis of Mg(0) with Fe(0) also significantly improved the DNT degradation in the persulfate/hydrogen peroxide systems, with the complete degradation of DNT after 4 h. The sonication of Mg(0) also led to the complete degradation of DNT after 2 and 3 h with persulfate and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Our results suggest that Mg(0) is a promising reductant and an effective catalyst for the degradation of DNT in persulfate/hydrogen peroxide systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 107485"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143636901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bo Peng , Tingting Li , Yinghui Guo , Xin Wang , Yalan Luo , Zhongwu Li , Xiaodong Nie , Weicheng Cao , Yaojun Liu , Jinggan Liao
{"title":"The key components of biochar's environmental behavior and potential ecological risks: Biochar-derived dissolved organic matter","authors":"Bo Peng , Tingting Li , Yinghui Guo , Xin Wang , Yalan Luo , Zhongwu Li , Xiaodong Nie , Weicheng Cao , Yaojun Liu , Jinggan Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM) is a significant carbon component released from biochar, characterized by high reactivity and mobility. It has substantial potential in soil remediation, agriculture, and environmental protection. BDOM plays a crucial role in shaping microbial community structures, enhancing soil fertility, and improving water quality. However, the release of BDOM may also worsen environmental issues, such as pollutant mobilization, shifts in microbial community composition, and water eutrophication, impacting ecosystem stability. Despite BDOM is importance, the specific mechanisms underlying its environmental applications are not well understood. Thus, investigating BDOM's environmental behavior and optimizing biochar preparation and application strategies are essential for maintaining healthy soil and aquatic ecosystems. This article reviews the factors influencing BDOM, its characterization methods, environmental behavior, and mechanisms. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity of establishing standardized biochar regulatory frameworks and quantifying BDOM's ecological thresholds to balance its benefits and risks. These insights provide a scientific basis for optimizing biochar applications and mitigating potential environmental concerns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 107499"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143632154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yaya Liu , Cong Jin , Chiqian Zhang , Jinhua Wu , Ping Li
{"title":"Mitigating VFAs accumulation and enhancing anaerobic stability in continuous-flow leachate from waste transfer stations using zero-valent iron","authors":"Yaya Liu , Cong Jin , Chiqian Zhang , Jinhua Wu , Ping Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) during anaerobic digestion of leachate from waste transfer stations can destabilize the system. Zero-valent iron (ZVI), with its strong reducing properties, has the significant potential to enhance anaerobic digestion by optimizing the microenvironment for anaerobic microorganisms, enriching microbial communities and promoting direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). This study examined three continuous-flow scenarios: a control without ZVI (0<sup>#</sup>), initial ZVI addition (1<sup>#</sup>), and ZVI addition during significant VFAs accumulation (2<sup>#</sup>). Both ZVI-supplemented systems outperformed the control, with 2<sup>#</sup> demonstrating superior performance. Compared to the control, 2<sup>#</sup> reduced VFAs accumulation by 82.45 %, increased pH by 2.51 units, improved COD removal by 67.03 %, enhanced methane production by 0.41 L/gCOD, and increased methane concentration by 32.41 %. ZVI addition reduced the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) by 131–183 mV in 2<sup>#</sup>, facilitating anaerobic conditions conducive to methanogenic activity. Microbial sequencing revealed that VFAs-oxidizing bacteria and methanogens in 2<sup>#</sup> were 6.28–14.64 % and 40.80–69.98 % more abundant, respectively, than in 0<sup>#</sup>, significantly enhancing VFAs degradation. The enrichment of DIET-related microorganisms, such as <em>Methanobacterium</em> and <em>Syntrophomonas</em>, was also higher in 2<sup>#</sup>. ZVI addition during VFAs accumulation stabilizes the anaerobic process, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for treating leachate and other high-strength organic wastewaters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 107442"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143636896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Abundance, characteristics, and potential human intake of microplastic contamination in tap water: A study of water supply treatment plants in Rayong Province, Thailand","authors":"Kanyarak Prasertboonyai , Sutharat Muenmee , Bopit Chouychai , Parnuch Hongsawat , Panida Prarat","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics in drinking water pose global health concerns. This study investigated their occurrence, distribution, and potential human intake in water supply treatment plants in Rayong Province, Thailand. The fate of microplastics in the water supply system, from the source to household taps, was investigated. Microplastics were detected in all treatment plants, with concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 18.15 items/L in raw water and 0.51 to 11.20 items/L in treated water. Removal efficiency varied from 33.13 % to 63.12 %, influenced by particle size, shape, and polymer density. Fragments and fibers, particularly particles <250 μm, were most prevalent. The primary polymers identified were polyester (PEST), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). Notably, epoxy resin, polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) were found in treated but not raw water, suggesting secondary contamination. Microplastic concentrations in household tap water were lower than in treated water, reducing exposure risk. Estimated daily intake (EDI) analysis indicated that infants had the highest exposure (0.355 items/kg BW/day), followed by adults (0.184–0.201 items/kg BW/day) and children (0.108 items/kg BW/day). These findings highlight widespread microplastic contamination, potential health risks, and the urgent need for enhanced treatment technologies and further research into long-term effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 107460"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143632151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guihao Han , Xiaoyan Ding , Zhisheng Liu , Gaige Liu , Xiangkun Li
{"title":"THP-AD effluent pretreatment by electrocoagulation/membrane for partial nitrification (PN) /anammox (A) process","authors":"Guihao Han , Xiaoyan Ding , Zhisheng Liu , Gaige Liu , Xiangkun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effluent from thermal hydrolysis pretreatment coupled anaerobic digestion (THP-AD) is characterized by high ammonia nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and suspended solids (SS). In this experiment, the results of the CANON process for the treatment of unpretreated THP-AD effluent showed that five-fold dilution and no dilution of THP-AD effluent had serious inhibitory effects on ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria, while prolongation of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) could mitigate such inhibition caused by five-fold dilution. To alleviate this inhibition, an electrocoagulation combined with membrane filtration pretreatment strategy was developed, and the removal rates of COD and SS were 61.8 % and 100.0 %. The PN/A system achieved 83.5 % total nitrogen removal from the pretreated diluted triple THP-AD effluent, but 44.3 % total nitrogen removal from the pretreated undiluted THP-AD due to inhibition of soluble and refractory COD. <em>Nitrosomonas</em> and <em>Candidatus_Kuenenia</em> were the major AOB and anammox bacteria in the PN and A reactors respectively. The abundance of both groups declined with the increased THP-AD effluent proportion in the feed. Overall, this study provides a guide to develop the energy-efficient PN/A process for THP-AD effluent treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 107365"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143631786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"High-efficiency degradation of nanofiltration concentrates using an iron-modified self-breathing electrode in electro-Fenton systems","authors":"Hongyun Ren, Zilong Zhang, Xia Qin, Cuicui Xu, Fanbin Zhang, Xiyang Li, Xingwei Tao, Xujie Lan","doi":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The homogeneous electro-Fenton(EF) technique is widely recognized in water treatment for its efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH). However, its drawbacks, such as iron sludge formation and strict pH requirements, constrain its practical applications. To overcome these limitations, this study developed an iron-modified self-breathing electrode (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/MGF<sub>if</sub>) through impregnation and filtration, characterized it, and applied it to construct a heterogeneous EF system for treating nanofiltration concentrates (NFCs). Under optimal conditions, the Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/MGF<sub>if</sub> electrode achieved COD and TOC removal efficiencies of 74.2 ± 1.8 % and 81.6 ± 1.7 %, respectively, within 2 h. Moreover, the modified electrode demonstrated degradation efficiency in the heterogeneous EF system comparable to that in the homogeneous EF system, while eliminating iron sludge formation and expanding the applicable pH range. Radical scavenging, quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique demonstrated that the electrode generated substantial ·OH and minor amounts of superoxide radicals (·O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>) during NFCs degradation. The ultraviolet fluorescence spectra and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra indicated that reactive radicals efficiently degraded humic substances in NFCs, reduced aromatization, and significantly enhanced biochemical properties. This study resolves the challenges of iron sludge formation and pH constraints in homogeneous EF-based NFCs treatment and proposes a novel pathway capable of efficiently degrading recalcitrant organic pollutants by self-breathing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17528,"journal":{"name":"Journal of water process engineering","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 107480"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}