Supercritical Water Oxidation: A Green Solution for Organic Waste Removal

Abstract

Driven by rising pollution levels, there is an increasing demand for clean technologies that can effectively eliminate waste and produce harmless by-products. Traditional treatment methods are inadequate for eliminating complex organic and chemical industrial waste. Two viable alternatives are incineration and hydrothermal oxidation in supercritical conditions. Incineration is effective in removing hazardous waste but has notable drawbacks, including unwanted emissions and high operational costs. On the other hand, supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is seen as an environmentally friendly technology for destroying organic waste, achieving a removal efficiency of 99.99% in a brief period. This chapter highlights the treatment of organic waste using SCWO, focusing on the use of co-fuels and catalysts to enhance its efficiency. Detailed analysis provides essential information for researchers and engineers aiming to use SCWO for the efficient and safe treatment of organic contaminants. Additionally, this chapter explores the current industrial applications of SCWO, examining technological advancements made by various companies developing full-scale SCWO facilities.