Sustainable Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Assessing Green Chemistry-Driven In-Situ Oxidant Technology

Abstract Industrial wastewater treatment often faces challenges, particularly when contaminant loads vary and upset processes occur. This study explores a system designed to generate sodium ferrate-based oxidants in situ through an innovative, renewables-integrated electrolysis process. These oxidants are dosed directly into industrial wastewater streams. Laboratory evaluations were conducted across multiple industrial water samples to assess the performance of this oxidant technology under varying contamination profiles. Wastewater composition varies significantly across industrial applications, making standardized treatment approaches difficult to implement effectively. The proposed system demonstrates promising results compared to conventional treatment methods, particularly in handling high-load and variable-contaminant streams. The system’s modular design enhances adaptability and reduces carbon footprint by enabling on-site oxidant generation. The process eliminates the need for chlorine-based or de-chlorination techniques, instead employing environmentally friendly oxidants capable of degrading persistent and complex contaminants, including heavy metals. Sodium ferrate, generated in situ as the primary oxidant, reacts with contaminants to form stable, low-volume sediments. Moreover, its high oxidation potential enables effective breakdown of pollutants without the logistical challenges of transporting hazardous materials. This study highlights how integrated, site-specific oxidant generation can offer a sustainable, scalable solution for industrial wastewater treatment.