Technology
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP)
Destroy recalcitrant organics, colour, and emerging contaminants with ozone, UV/H2O2, and photocatalytic oxidation.
🤖 AI Overview
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH·) that mineralize virtually any organic contaminant. BioTerraVa designs AOP systems for colour removal, pharmaceutical destruction, PFAS treatment, and effluent polishing — achieving >90% contaminant destruction in compact, automated systems.
The Challenge
Contaminants Resistant to Biological Treatment
Many industrial and emerging contaminants are designed to be stable and resistant to biological degradation. These compounds pass through conventional treatment and create environmental and regulatory risks.
- Pharmaceuticals and APIs toxic to biological systems
- Dye molecules with stable chromophore structures
- PFAS with extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds
- Phenolic compounds and chlorinated organics
- Endocrine-disrupting compounds and personal care products
The Solution
BioTerraVa AOP Solutions
BioTerraVa selects the optimal AOP technology based on target contaminants, water matrix, and treatment objectives. Our designs integrate AOP with biological pre-treatment and post-treatment for cost-effective, reliable contaminant destruction.
- Ozone/H2O2 for colour, odour, and pharmaceutical destruction
- UV/H2O2 for low-TDS applications and photodegradable compounds
- Fenton's reagent for high-COD industrial effluent
- Photocatalytic TiO2 for emerging contaminant mineralization
- Integrated biological-AOP-biological trains for cost optimization
Technical Specifications
How It Works
Ozone AOP
High-efficiency colour and odour destruction. Best for municipal and textile applications.
UV/H2O2
Chemical-free radical generation. Ideal for low-TDS water and pharmaceuticals.
Fenton's Reagent
Fe2+/H2O2 oxidation for high-COD industrial wastewater.
Photocatalytic
TiO2/UV for emerging contaminants and micropollutants.
Performance
AOP Performance Metrics
>90%
Contaminant destruction
<5min
Contact time
99%
Colour removal
Compact
Footprint
AOP is the technology of choice for contaminants that resist biological treatment. BioTerraVa's integrated designs minimize oxidant consumption and operating costs while achieving >90% destruction of target compounds.
Related Resources
Industries Served
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are advanced oxidation processes in wastewater treatment?
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) are water treatment methods that generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH·) capable of destroying virtually any organic contaminant. Common AOPs include: ozone + hydrogen peroxide, UV + hydrogen peroxide, Fenton's reagent (iron + hydrogen peroxide), and photocatalytic oxidation (TiO2 + UV). AOPs are used for colour removal, pharmaceutical destruction, PFAS treatment, and effluent polishing where biological treatment is insufficient.
How much does AOP wastewater treatment cost?
AOP operating costs range from $0.50-$3.00 per m³ depending on the oxidant, target contaminants, and water quality. Ozone AOP is typically $0.80-$1.50/m³ for colour removal. UV/H2O2 is $1.00-$2.50/m³ for pharmaceutical destruction. Fenton's reagent is $0.50-$1.20/m³ for high-COD industrial effluent. Capital costs are $5,000-$15,000 per m³/d of capacity. BioTerraVa optimizes AOP design to minimize oxidant consumption.
Can AOP remove PFAS from water?
AOP can partially degrade some PFAS compounds, but complete mineralization of long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS) requires extreme conditions or specialized processes. Conventional AOP (ozone, UV/H2O2) achieves 30-60% PFAS removal. For >95% PFAS removal, specialized processes like electrochemical oxidation, plasma, or supercritical water oxidation are needed. BioTerraVa evaluates PFAS treatment options based on chain length, concentration, and regulatory requirements.
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