This paper presents details of a study that deals with determination of engineering properties, identification of phases of major hydration products, and microstructural characteristics of a zinc-contaminated (referred to as Zn-contaminated in this paper) kaolin clay when it is stabilized by a cement additive. Investigations were carried out with respect to the effect of the level of zinc (Zn) concentration on the overall soil properties including Atterberg limits, water content, pH, stress–strain characteristics, unconfined compressive strength, and secant modulus. In addition, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry studies were conducted to understand the mechanisms controlling the changes in engineering properties of the stabilized kaolin clay. The study reveals that the level of Zn concentration has a considerable influence on the engineering properties, phases of hydration products formed, and microstructural characteristics of the stabilized kaolin clay. These changes are attributed to the retardant effect of Zn on the hydration and pozzolanic reactions, which in turn alters the phases of hydration products and cementation structure – bonding of the soils. Theoretical simulation of the pore-size distribution curves demonstrates that the cement-stabilized kaolin exhibits bimodal type when the Zn concentration is less than 2%, whereas it displays unimodal type when the Zn concentration is 2%. With an increase in the Zn concentration, the characteristics of the interaggregate pores in terms of volume and mean diameter change considerably, whereas those of intra-aggregate pores remain nearly unchanged.

High oxidation potential as well as other advantages over other tertiary wastewater treatments have led in recent years to a focus on the development of advanced oxidation processes based on sulfate radicals (SR-AOPs). These radicals can be generated from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS) through various activation methods such as catalytic, radiation or thermal activation. This review manuscript aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the different methods for PS and PMS activaton, as well as the different applications of this technology in the field of water and wastewater treatment. Although its most widespread application is the elimination of micropollutants, its use for the disinfection of wastewater is gaining increasing interest. In addition, the possibility of combining this technology with ultrafiltration membranes to improve the water quality and lifespan of the membranes has also been discussed. Finally, a brief economic analysis of this technology has been undertaken and the different attempts made to implement it at full-scale have been summarized. As a result, this review tries to be useful for all those people working in that area.