LAUSR

The large amount of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in wastewater has caused serious impacts on human health. In the past few years, Sulfate radical (SO4•-) based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are widely recognized for their high removal rates of recalcitrant TrOCs from water. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS) are stable and non-toxic strong oxidizing oxidants and can act as excellent SO4•- precursors. Compared with hydroxyl radicals(·OH)-based methods, SR-AOPs have a series of advantages, such as long half-life and wide pH range, the oxidation capacity of SO4•- approaches or even exceeds that of ·OH under suitable conditions. In this review, we present the progress of activating PS/PMS to remove TrOCs by different methods. These methods include activation by transition metal, ultrasound, UV, etc. Possible activation mechanisms and influencing factors such as pH during the activation are discussed. Finally, future activation studies of PS/PMS are summarized and prospected. This review summarizes previous experiences and presents the current status of SR-AOPs application for TrOCs removal. Misconceptions in research are avoided and a research basis for the removal of TrOCs is provided.