Catalysis for Eco-Technologies: Exploring Innovative Catalytic Methodologies for the Treatment of Industrial Wastewater

The treatment and recycling of water are emerging as pivotal environmental concerns that demand attention in the foreseeable future. The contamination of surface waters and groundwater reservoirs, caused by substances like pesticides, various hydrocarbons (both halogenated and halogen-free), nitrates, active compounds with pharmacological or endocrine effects, along with emerging contaminants, including personal care products (PPCPs), plasticizers, surfactants, fire retardants, nanomaterials, is on a notable upswing. This surge is not solely a result of intensive farming practices but is also linked to the inadequacies of current wastewater treatment processes in both municipal and industrial plants.

Addressing these challenges necessitates an enhancement of existing water and wastewater treatment technologies to align with the mounting demands on the horizon. Exploring catalytic processes emerges as a potential alternative solution. Despite the benefits in terms of faster kinetics, selectivity, and energy efficiency, for catalysis in polluted waters to be a practical solution, catalyst systems must overcome practical limitations and demonstrate enduring stability against a plethora of potential catalyst poisons, particularly the naturally occurring organic components in water.

The Topical Collection offers an opportunity for researchers, scholars, and professionals in catalysis to share and disseminate knowledge, innovations and experiences on catalytic water and wastewater treatment. It welcomes submissions including but not limited to the following research topics: catalytic, biocatalytic, photocatalytic approaches to the degradation of pollutants in waters.

Keywords: advanced oxidation processes (AOPs); Fenton-like catalysts; catalytic ozonation; catalytic reduction; photocatalysis; biocatalysis; reactive adsorption; denitrification; hydro-dechlorination;