Efficiency of Using Advanced Oxidation Processes and Activated Carbon for Municipal Wastewater Treatment

The global issue of hazardous persistent micropollutant accumulation in water bodies, including those of biological origin, was assessed. Modern approaches to municipal wastewater treatment using advanced biotechnological solutions (methods: SHARON, CANON, BABE, OLAND, ANAMMOX) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were analyzed. Promising aspects of combining these methods to improve the removal of persistent forms of pollutants were identified. A methodology was developed for experimental studies on the removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions using ozonation, ultrasonic treatment, pressurized electrolysis, and the addition of powdered activated carbon as a reagent. The results of municipal wastewater treatment confirmed the potential of these methods. The best overall performance in terms of nitrogen compounds, organoleptic characteristics, and microbiological indicators was achieved by combining pressurized electrolysis with the addition of powdered activated carbon. This technological approach is proposed for use in the post-treatment of wastewater following biological treatment facilities.