A comparative review of Fenton-like processes and advanced oxidation processes for Methylene Blue degradation

Fenton catalytic oxidation has long been recognized as an efficient and environmentally friendly method for pollutant removal, particularly in wastewater treatment. However, recent advancements in persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have shown significant promise as a superior alternative. These processes, which utilize heterogeneous catalysts to drive the generation of highly reactive sulfate radicals and singlet oxygen, have emerged as a powerful tool for environmental remediation. Unlike traditional hydrogen peroxidebased AOPs, which primarily rely on hydroxyl radicals for oxidation, persulfate-based AOPs employ diverse in situ-generated oxidants. This versatility enables the effective degradation of a wide range of contaminants, including Methylene Blue, a common dye pollutant. The capacity of persulfate-AOPs to activate peroxide bonds in persulfate precursors has been extensively demonstrated, leading to more efficient and complete oxidation of organic pollutants than conventional methods. This review critically compares the efficacy of Fenton-like oxidation and persulfate-based AOPs in the degradation of Methylene Blue. The analysis delves into the detailed mechanisms of both processes, highlighting the superior performance of persulfate-AOPs regarding reaction kinetics, oxidant selectivity, and overall pollutant degradation. The findings suggest that persulfatebased AOPs offer a more robust and versatile approach to wastewater treatment, positioning them as a leading choice for addressing complex environmental challenges.