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Advanced oxidation technologies

Advanced oxidation (AOPs)

Advanced oxidation technologies (AOPs) encompass a set of processes designed to generate highly oxidising species, mainly hydroxyl radicals (•OH), capable of degrading persistent organic compounds present in wastewater and industrial streams. Due to their high redox potential, these radicals react non-selectively with a wide range of contaminants, transforming them into simpler molecules and even mineralising them into CO₂ and water.

Among the most widely used AOPs are processes based on ozone, hydrogen peroxide, UV radiation, photocatalysis with TiO₂, Fenton and photo-Fenton, as well as combinations of these, enabling the technology to be tailored to the chemical complexity of the effluent. Their application is particularly valuable for the removal of emerging contaminants, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceutical compounds and other recalcitrant molecules that cannot be effectively treated using conventional biological methods.

What market challenges does it address?

Advanced oxidation technologies (AOPs) mainly address challenges associated with contaminants that conventional treatments cannot effectively remove. Specifically, they enable:

  • Removal of persistent organic contaminants (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, partially PFAS, aromatic compounds, dyes) that resist biological processes.
  • Degradation of microcontaminants and emerging pollutants present at low concentrations but with high environmental impact.
  • Reduction of toxicity in complex industrial effluents prior to biological treatment or discharge.
  • Deodorisation and improvement of water colour and turbidity through oxidation of compounds responsible for odour and colour.
  • Partial or complete mineralisation of recalcitrant compounds, facilitating subsequent treatment or reuse.
  • Prevention of hazardous by-products, as hydroxyl radicals react more completely than traditional oxidants (such as chlorine).

Applications

This technology has multiple applications in water treatment and various liquid streams.
  • Treatment of industrial and environmental effluents
Treatment of industrial and environmental effluents, enabling the removal of dyes in textile wastewater, degradation of pharmaceutical compounds and hormones in urban and hospital effluents, oxidation of pesticides and herbicides in agricultural streams, and reduction of COD and toxicity in waste from chemical and related industries. They are also effective in degrading phenols in the pulp and refining industries, as well as in treating odours and volatile compounds such as hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans.
  • Reuse and drinking water treatment
Removal of microcontaminants in tertiary treatments for water reuse, improvement of taste, odour and colour of drinking water through processes such as ozonation or UV/H₂O₂, and use as a pre-treatment before UF, NF or RO membranes, reducing fouling and optimising performance.

AINIA’s competitive advantages

Advanced oxidation processes offer significant competitive advantages over conventional treatments.

  • Ability to degrade persistent organic pollutants and microcontaminants that do not respond to traditional biological or physicochemical methods. They generate highly reactive radicals that enable rapid and effective oxidation, reduce effluent toxicity and improve water quality for subsequent treatment stages.
  • These technologies do not generate additional sludge, require relatively compact operational footprints, and can be easily integrated as pre-treatment or complementary treatment to membranes or biological systems, optimising their performance and extending their lifespan.
Contact us for more information
Evaluation and selection of the advanced oxidation process
Evaluation and selection of the most suitable advanced oxidation process, considering the nature of the effluent, target contaminants and regulatory requirements (ozone, UV/H₂O₂, Fenton, photo-Fenton, photocatalysis, hybrid combinations…).
Development and optimisation of operating conditions
Development and optimisation of operating conditions, including oxidant dosage, UV intensity, pH, catalysts, residence time and strategies for by-product mitigation.
Pilot testing at adaptable scale

Pilot testing at adaptable scale to validate the removal efficiency of emerging contaminants, COD reduction and improved water treatability.

Tailor-made AOP system design
Design of tailor-made AOP systems, integrated as primary, secondary or tertiary treatment, or as pre-treatment stages prior to membranes or other advanced systems.
Specialised analytical monitoring
Specialised analytical monitoring, including tracking degradation kinetics, intermediate formation and evaluation of effluent toxicity reduction.

Looking for a solution tailored to your process?
We help you define the most suitable technology based on your specific needs.

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Key equipment

Modular testing equipment

Modular equipment for experimental setups and testing at volumes ranging from 0.5 L to 10 L, enabling kinetic studies, reagent optimisation and validation of operating conditions at small scale.

Ozone production

Ozone production of 2.5 gO₃/h at a concentration of 40 g/Nm³.

Regulation and standards for ozone and AOPs

  • Regulation (EU) 2023/1078, approving the use of ozone as an active biocidal substance under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation 528/2012).
  • UNE-EN 1278 standard: specifies the use of ozone as a chemical product for the treatment of water intended for human consumption. It establishes requirements, analytical methods and good practices.
  • Royal Decree 140/2003, establishing health criteria for drinking water quality, includes ozone as a recognised treatment method.
  • Royal Decree 865/2003, on hygienic-sanitary criteria for the prevention and control of legionellosis, includes ozone as a disinfection system.
  • Royal Decree 1085/2024: regulates the use of reclaimed water for urban, industrial, agricultural, environmental and recreational purposes, promoting the use of advanced technologies, including AOPs (ozone, UV/H₂O₂, photo-Fenton, etc.) as valid regeneration treatments.

Featured cases

Eldrin

Removal of recalcitrant compounds was addressed through ozone-based technologies and ozone + UV combination, achieving degradation of sodium polyacrylamide.

OXAGUA
Different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were designed and evaluated for the removal of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and surfactants present in urban, industrial and agricultural waters, demonstrating high efficiency against emerging contaminants.
ECO3WASH

A project developed a prototype for citrus washing water regeneration, where advanced oxidation processes were key to ensuring the removal of pesticides and other recalcitrant compounds.

Private company projects

While maintaining the confidentiality of the private companies involved, AINIA has successfully validated the application of AOPs for the removal of colour, odours, flavours and refractory organic compounds, as well as the significant reduction of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals not removed by conventional treatments.

Explore how to apply it to your case

Application sectors

Water treatment

Drinking water treatment, wastewater reuse, removal of colour, odours, microcontaminants and recalcitrant compounds.

Agri-food industry

Surface, equipment and environment disinfection; reduction of microbial load in raw materials; post-harvest treatments.

Chemical and pharmaceutical industry

Oxidation of organic compounds, effluent purification and improvement of wastewater treatability.

Cosmetics and personal care sector

Treatment of process water and removal of hard-to-degrade substances.

Fish farming and aquaculture

Water treatment in recirculation systems and microbiological control.

Cooling towers and industrial circuits

Biofilm control and Legionella prevention.

Air treatment

Odour removal, reduction of volatile compounds and space disinfection (in regulated applications).

Agriculture

Irrigation water disinfection and control of phytopathogens.

Would you like to know more?

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Daniel Rivera
Head of Physicochemical Processes
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