Recent Trends in Advanced Oxidation and Catalytic Processes for Removal of Heavy Metals, Dyes, and Xenobiotics

Heavy metals, dyes and xenobiotic compounds are the primary environmental contaminants that are accumulating at higher rates attributed to increased industrialization and uncontrolled release without treatment. These pollutants have also raised serious concerns about life on earth, attributed to their recalcitrance and tenacity in the environment. The treatment strategies currently utilize chemical methods, such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and catalytic processes, whereas biological processes such as adsorption and accumulation are also predominant. However, AOPs and catalytic processes are proven to be the potential methods for heavy metals, dyes, and xenobiotic pollutant remediation in large-scale applications. Identification and synthesis of novel molecules/ materials that can effectively recover and remediate heavy metals, dyes and xenobiotic compounds from wastewater remain one of the key approaches. This chapter highlights the success of AOPs and catalytic processes in the degradation of dyes, pharmaceuticals compounds, and heavy metal ions from different water environments and possible future prospects.

Keywords: Advanced oxidation process, Dyes, Fenton process, Heavy metals, Xenobiotics.