The application of Fenton-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as photo-Fenton or electro-Fenton for wastewater treatment have been extensively studied in recent decades due to its high efficiency for the decomposition of persistent organic pollutants. Usually Fenton-based AOPs are used for the degradation of targeted pollutant or group of pollutants, which often leads to the formation of toxic by-products possessing a potential environmental risk. In this work, we have collected and reviewed recent findings regarding the feasibility of Fenton-based AOPs (photo-Fenton, UVC/H₂O₂, electro-Fenton and galvanic Fenton) for the detoxification of real municipal and industrial wastewaters. More specifically, operational conditions, relevance and suitability of different bioassays for the toxicity assessment of various wastewater types, cost estimation, all of which compose current challenges for the application of these AOPs for real wastewater detoxification are discussed.

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) is emerging as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) of significant promise, which is mainly due to its efficiency for the decomposition of recalcitrant organic compounds in industrial and urban wastewaters and relatively low operating costs. In current study, we have systemised and critically discussed the feasibility of CWPO for industrial and urban wastewater treatment. More specifically, types of catalysts the effect of pH, temperature, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations on the efficiency of CWPO were taken into consideration. The operating and maintenance costs of CWPO applied to wastewater treatment and toxicity assessment were also discussed. Knowledge gaps were identified and summarised. The main conclusions of this work are: (i) catalyst leaching and deactivation is one of the main problematic issues; (ii) majority of studies were performed in semi-batch and batch reactors, while continuous fixed bed reactors were not extensively studied for treatment of real wastewaters; (iii) toxicity of wastewaters treated by CWPO is of key importance for possible application, however it was not studied thoroughly; and, (iv) CWPO can be regarded as economically viable for wastewater treatment, especially when conducted at ambient temperature and natural pH of wastewater.