Current perspective of advanced electrochemical oxidation processes in wastewater treatment and life cycle analysis

Abstract

The water crisis is one of the most alarming problems of this century. Thus, strategies are being sought not only to manage water use, but also to reuse it through efficient treatments that make it possible to achieve a circular water economy. In this sense, Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs) have been shown to produce water with the quality necessary for its reuse. The application of EAOPs in water treatment plants is one of the current needs, so research efforts are focused on scaling them up to an industrial level. The application of these processes is limited, mainly due to energy consumption; however, by means of optimal conditions and designs, different studies have shown that the application of these processes can be successful and compete with conventional treatments. This work compiles studies of applications of EAOPs to treat real wastewater, where the removal efficiencies, optimal operating conditions and their energy consumption or operational cost are indicated. Advantages, disadvantages, and future challenges or needs of the different EAOPs are also presented. An analysis of studies on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of EAOPs is also presented and the need to standardize the functional unit to conduct such studies was concluded.