The project aims to develop and optimize a hybrid “adsorption + electrochemical oxidation/electro-Fenton” treatment train to remove and destructively treat persistent organic contaminants in wastewater, addressing the limitations of conventional processes that often fail to degrade recalcitrant molecules. The analytical framework will rely on robust targeted/untargeted methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS or equivalent), supported by a strict QA/QC plan, to quantify selected representative contaminants at trace levels and to follow their transformation over time.

In the adsorption step, engineered carbonaceous sorbents derived from sustainable feedstocks (e.g., chemically modified and/or polymer-coated biochars) will be synthesized and thoroughly characterized to enhance affinity toward difficult-to-remove compounds, including highly mobile, short-chain and/or polar species. A sustainable sorbent management strategy will be demonstrated through regeneration protocols designed to retain high adsorption capacity over multiple cycles, while monitoring sorbent stability and any potential leaching. The concentrated regeneration eluate will be directed to the destructive step, enabling pollutant concentration prior to oxidation and minimizing secondary waste.

In the destructive step, electrochemical oxidation will be intensified by coupling with electro-Fenton chemistry and advanced anode materials to promote radical generation, accelerate degradation kinetics, and improve energy efficiency. The overall concept is a closed-loop system in which adsorption concentrates contaminants and electrochemical treatment mineralizes them, allowing possible reuse of the regenerant and reducing the need for disposal of contaminated media.

Process optimization will follow a statistically robust, two-stage experimental design: (i) a screening phase to identify the most influential variables (e.g., pH, contact time, current density, electrolyte type/concentration, sorbent dose), followed by (ii) Response Surface Methodology (RSM) within clearly defined operational constraints to maximize performance while preserving practicality. All test waters (synthetic and real matrices) will be fully characterized (pH, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon, major anions) to evaluate matrix effects and operational resilience.

Success will be assessed beyond simple removal percentages, using quantitative indicators such as mineralization/oxidation extent (e.g., inorganic end-products and mass-balance closure), specific energy consumption, durability over repeated adsorption–regeneration cycles, unit treatment cost estimates, and control of inorganic by-products (e.g., oxyanions) to ensure environmental safety. Finally, an integrative ecotoxicological assessment (e.g., acute bioassays) will verify that treatment reduces overall hazard and does not merely transform contaminants into equally problematic by-products.