Changes of excitation/emission matrixes of wastewater caused by Fenton- and Fenton-like treatment and their associations with the generation of hydroxyl radicals, oxidation of effluent organic matter and degradation of trace-level organic pollutants

► Fenton- (FP) and Fenton-like processes (FLP) affect fluorescence of wastewater. ► FP/FLP effects can be tracked via analysis of excitation/emission matrixes (EEM). ► Removal of trace-level organic contaminants is correlated with EEM changes. ► EEM changes are reflective of OH radicals exposures and carboxylic acids formation. ► EEM changes can be used to quantify most aspects of FP/FLP treatment of wastewater.