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Nadimi H, Mortezazadeh F, Ahmadi nasab M, Changani F. Narrative review of Ozone-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment. J Environ Health Eng 2026; 14 :113-130
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1163-en.html
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1163-en.html
1- , hojat.nadimi2910@gmail.com
Abstract: (2 Views)
Background: The increasing presence of recalcitrant organic pollutants in wastewater necessitates advanced treatment technologies capable of achieving thorough degradation. Ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (O3-based AOPs) have emerged as promising and increasingly sustainable solutions for this purpose. This narrative review critically evaluates their application and effectiveness, comparing global advancements with the current status and specific challenges observed in Iran.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using systematic literature searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing keywords related to wastewater treatment, advanced oxidation processes, ozone, and Iran. Of 178 articles retrieved (published between 2010 and 2025), 83 original peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria following title/abstract and full-text screening and were included in the final analysis.
Results: O3-based AOPs—including standalone ozonation, O3/H2O2, O3/UV, catalytic ozonation, O3/persulfate, electro-peroxone, and cavitation-assisted hybrid systems—achieved removal efficiencies of 90–100% for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, primarily through the dual mechanism of direct molecular ozone attack combined with indirect oxidation via hydroxyl (•OH) and sulfate (SO4•⁻) radicals. Hybrid configurations generally outperformed standalone ozonation, with reaction rate constants increased 2- to 10-fold and ozone consumption reduced by 30–70%, alongside improved biodegradability and reduced formation of toxic by-products. Emerging approaches such as ozone nanobubbles and cavitation-assisted systems further enhanced mass transfer efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In Iran, pilot-scale studies reported technical performance broadly comparable to international findings; however, full-scale implementation remains constrained by high energy demand (12–20 kWh/kg O3), limited regulatory frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure.
Conclusion: Ozone-based AOPs represent effective and versatile technologies with growing potential for sustainable wastewater treatment and water reuse. Addressing existing research gaps—particularly regarding long-term toxicity monitoring, standardized experimental protocols, and comprehensive economic assessment—together with targeted policy support, could accelerate their broader adoption in addressing water quality challenges in Iran and globally.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using systematic literature searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing keywords related to wastewater treatment, advanced oxidation processes, ozone, and Iran. Of 178 articles retrieved (published between 2010 and 2025), 83 original peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria following title/abstract and full-text screening and were included in the final analysis.
Results: O3-based AOPs—including standalone ozonation, O3/H2O2, O3/UV, catalytic ozonation, O3/persulfate, electro-peroxone, and cavitation-assisted hybrid systems—achieved removal efficiencies of 90–100% for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, primarily through the dual mechanism of direct molecular ozone attack combined with indirect oxidation via hydroxyl (•OH) and sulfate (SO4•⁻) radicals. Hybrid configurations generally outperformed standalone ozonation, with reaction rate constants increased 2- to 10-fold and ozone consumption reduced by 30–70%, alongside improved biodegradability and reduced formation of toxic by-products. Emerging approaches such as ozone nanobubbles and cavitation-assisted systems further enhanced mass transfer efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In Iran, pilot-scale studies reported technical performance broadly comparable to international findings; however, full-scale implementation remains constrained by high energy demand (12–20 kWh/kg O3), limited regulatory frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure.
Conclusion: Ozone-based AOPs represent effective and versatile technologies with growing potential for sustainable wastewater treatment and water reuse. Addressing existing research gaps—particularly regarding long-term toxicity monitoring, standardized experimental protocols, and comprehensive economic assessment—together with targeted policy support, could accelerate their broader adoption in addressing water quality challenges in Iran and globally.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
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Received: 2026/04/25 | Accepted: 2026/07/27 | Published: 2026/08/29
Received: 2026/04/25 | Accepted: 2026/07/27 | Published: 2026/08/29
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