Advanced oxidation processes perspective regarding swine wastewater treatment

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145958
• Publication Date: 2021-02-21T03:49:00Z
• Authors: Eva Domingues; Eryk Fernandes; João Gomes; Rui C. Martins
• Keywords: Electrocoagulation

Abstract Pork production involves the generation of wastewater containing a high pollutant load. Besides, the intensive use of pharmaceutical products is leading to the effluents rich on these compounds. The traditional treatments involving biological depuration are effective on the removal of the organic load of swine wastewater. However, the time and space required along with the low efficiency on abating persistent contaminants such as pharmaceutical compounds lead to the need of pursuing alternative technologies. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are widely used in the treatment of different types of effluents. AOPs are very efficient and require a short period of treatment time when compared to traditional processes without the production of biological sludge. This review addresses different treatment approaches for swine wastewater treatment focusing on pharmaceuticals removal. The performance of AOPs such as Fenton (H2O2 and Fe+2 ions), photo-Fenton, ozone (O3), electrooxidation and photocatalysis are compared with electrocoagulation and biological systems. A promising alternative is the combination of different technologies taking advantage of their synergies. Finally, an approach to future challenges is discussed.