Emerging Technologies for Phthalate Removal from Wastewater: A Critical Review with Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Considerations

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of phthalates in aqueous matrices is a matter of concern due to their toxic effects on humans and other living organisms. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies, such as the activated sludge process and trickling filter, are not capable of degrading these contaminants, as these technologies are not specifically designed for the abatement of trace contaminants. Thus, it is of paramount importance to devise novel technologies for the targeted degradation of emerging contaminants, including phthalates. In this regard, a comprehensive review was conducted on various emerging wastewater treatment technologies used for eliminating phthalates from different aqueous matrices. This critical investigation elucidated the detailed mechanism, removal efficiency, and comparative strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) associated with these advanced systems. Furthermore, a critical summary of prior literature on techno-economic assessment (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of these technologies was included in this study, which sheds light on the associated costs and environmental viability of these neoteric technologies. Among the technologies, electrochemical oxidation, electro-Fenton, sonolysis, photocatalysis, activated persulfate, bioelectro-Fenton and peroxymonosulfate have demonstrated 100% removal for certain phthalates. However, most of these investigations are limited to lab-scale, and upscaling of these technologies is retarded by various associated challenges, including elevated capital, operational and maintenance costs, formation of toxic byproducts, and influence of external environmental conditions. Thereby, optimization of operational parameters, reduction of capital and operational costs, along with integration with complementary treatment technologies, are crucial for the upscaling of these technologies.