Degradation of chelating agents in aqueous solution using advanced oxidation process (AOP)

This article presents an overview with critical analysis of technical applicability of advanced oxidation process (AOP) in removing chelating agents from aqueous solution. Apart from the effect of metals for chelating agents as a major influencing factor, selected information such as pH, oxidant’s dose, concentrations of pollutants and treatment performance is presented. The performance of individual AOP is compared. It is evident from our literature survey that photocatalysis with UV irradiation alone or coupled with TiO2, ozonation and Fenton’s oxidation are frequently applied to mineralize target pollutants. Overall, the selection of the most suitable AOP depends on the characteristics of effluents, technical applicability, discharge standard, regulatory requirements and environmental impacts.

Research highlights
► Individual AOP treatment is applicable to mineralize chelating agents in solutions.
► Over 80% of the pollutants with concentration from 0.03 to 100 mM could be degraded.
► After AOP treatment, CO2, H2O and NH3 are oxidation products of chelating agent.