Advanced Oxidation Processes and Treatment Strategies for Hospital Wastewater: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Because Hospital Wastewater (HWW) is a complex mixture of chemicals, pharmaceutical residues, radioisotopes, and pathogens, it poses a serious environmental risk. Especially during epidemics, its unregulated discharge can contaminate water supplies and promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and persistent organic pollutants, which are present even at low concentrations but have high hazardous potential, are examples of these emerging contaminants, widespread in both developed and developing countries. Aquatic ecosystems are disrupted by the multitude of macro-pollutants (heavy metals, hormones, detergents) and micro-pollutants such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and nitrogen found in HWW. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have become an increasingly popular technique for degrading harmful pollutants. Even though lab results are encouraging, further study is required before widespread application. This review discusses published research on AOPs for emerging pollutants in HWW, highlighting gaps in detection, optimization, and practical implementation, and emphasizing how future studies in these areas could help protect water resources and improve HWW management.