Can you please explain Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) in water treatment?
Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) is becoming more important and widespread with good reason. Put simply, AOP combines “oxidation” technologies for a more effective and accelerated treatment, particularly for complex water situations. Oxidant based treatments utilize “hydroxyl radical formation” – highly reactive ions or free radicals that aggressively react and break down organic and inorganic material. Ozone is the best example, as it is made from Oxygen (O2) and combined with electricity makes Ozone (O3) – it is the third extra molecule in ozone that acts as a hydroxyl radical to quickly react for treatment and is virtually instantaneous. In fact, ozone is typically the key component in AOP treatment due to its strength, speed and self-generation.
Combining oxidants like ozone and hydrogen peroxide can create a much stronger treatment for highly contaminated water and wastewater. An example of this is hydrocarbons like oil and gas where ozone can be effective at some levels but combining the two can result in a more powerful longer lasting process.
Ozone and Ultra-Violet Light (UV) are another common and advantageous pairing for AOP. Ozone will disinfect and clarify the water to enable the UV to work. Hydroxyl radical is formed when ozone hits the UV light which results in instant treatment of the water source. The ozone then breaks down to oxygen ready for discharge or reuse.
