Decision criteria for the selection of wet oxidation and conventional biological treatment

The suitability of wet oxidation or biological treatments for the degradation of industrial wastewaters is here discussed. Advantages of these operations, either singly or in combination, are discussed on the basis of previous experimental results from laboratory and industry. Decision diagrams for the selection of conventional biological treatment, wet oxidation or a combination of both techniques are suggested according to the type of pollutant, its concentration and the wastewater flow rate.

► Criteria for selection of wet oxidation and/or biological treatment (cost, safety, products…) are here discussed.
► Decision diagrams are of great value during the first stages of the selection of the best option.
► Integrated operation mode is the best selection in many cases.
► Intermediates of wet oxidation and inhibitors for bioprocesses are key subjects for decision.