Electro-Photo-Fenton Process: A Comprehensive Review of Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technology

Modern industries generate wastewater laden with organic pollutants—often toxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic—that resist conventional biological and physico-chemical treatment. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) address this by generating highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH) capable of degrading even the most recalcitrant organic compounds. Among these, the Electro-Photo-Fenton (EPF) process combines electrochemical reactions, Fenton chemistry, and photochemical activation for exceptional pollutant removal efficiency. This review traces the evolution from classical Fenton chemistry to EPF, analyzes critical operating parameters (pH, temperature, electrode configuration, current density, iron concentration, and H₂O₂ dosing), and demonstrates EPF's superior performance across pharmaceutical, agrochemical, petroleum, and textile industry wastewaters. COD and TOC removal rates of 60–98% confirm EPF as a transformative approach to industrial wastewater management.