The application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to treat unconventional water for fit-for-purpose reuse

Reuse of unconventional water is a promising solution to water shortage, which needs to be fit-for-purpose when engaging the treatment of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). This article describes the application and the present challenges of AOPs in the treatment of eight types of unconventional water (i.e., seawater, brackish groundwater, produced water, mining wastewater, power and cooling water, industrial wastewater, agricultural drainage, and municipal wastewater) to help stakeholders understand how to choose AOPs for nontraditional water reuse. This article also discusses future research areas and concepts towards a better application of AOPs, including innovative ideas to overcome the weaknesses of current AOPs and new ways to incorporate AOPs into a multibarrier treatment train. [Display omitted] •The choice of AOPs for nontraditional water reuse needs to be fit-to-purpose.•The main components of 8 unconventional water sources are summarized.•The common treatment trains for unconventional water treatments are listed.•Types and places of AOPs in unconventional water treatment trains are suggested.•Insights into better AOPs for unconventional water treatment are discussed.