Recent advances in microwave-enhanced advanced oxidation processes (MAOPs) for environmental remediation: A review

Microwave (MW) technology has been widely studied in the field of environmental remediation due to its rapid and uniform heating, “hot spot” effect, and nonthermal effect. MW combined with advanced oxidation processes can mineralize any pollutant. In this article, the theory of MW radiation is introduced, and the latest progress in research on microwave-enhanced advanced oxidation processes (MAOPs, including Fenton/Fenton-like, persulfate, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, etc.) for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater, sludge, and soil is reviewed, and compares it with traditional treatment methods. We found that MAOPs improved pollutant degradation efficiency. The mechanisms of MAOPs are discussed, MW technology could be combined with AOPs to enhance the production of active species (such as •OH, •SO4−, •O2−, and 1O2). However, applications of MAOPs are currently limited to the laboratory scale. Overall, this review may provide insights for the future development of MAOPs.