Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Process Design for Degradation of Refractory Organic Compounds in Wastewater

Abstract

The treatment of wastewater containing refractory organic compounds remains a major challenge in environmental engineering due to the persistence, toxicity, and low biodegradability of these contaminants. This study investigates the design of an electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) for the efficient degradation of refractory organic compounds in industrial and municipal wastewater systems. The proposed treatment framework integrates electrochemical oxidation mechanisms with optimized reactor configuration and operational control strategies to enhance contaminant mineralization and process efficiency under varying treatment conditions. A comprehensive experimental and analytical investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of electrode material, current density, electrolyte concentration, reaction time, pH, and hydraulic flow conditions on degradation performance and energy consumption. The electrochemical process generates highly reactive oxidative species capable of breaking down complex organic molecules into simpler and less toxic compounds through oxidation reactions. Performance evaluation demonstrated significant reductions in chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, color intensity, and toxicity indicators under optimized operational conditions. The study further revealed that appropriate electrode selection and current regulation significantly improve oxidation kinetics, pollutant removal efficiency, and reactor stability while minimizing energy demand and electrode deterioration. Comparative analysis indicated superior degradation performance and enhanced treatment reliability compared to conventional physicochemical treatment approaches for refractory wastewater streams. Additionally, the integration of advanced oxidation and intelligent process optimization contributed to improved operational sustainability and reduced secondary waste generation.