Applicability of advanced oxidation processes for the reuse of laundry wastewater

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Kılıç L., Dilsizoğlu-Akyol N., AKARSU C., Ölmez-Hancı T.

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, vol.23, no.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s13762-025-06954-9
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Gray test, Hydrogen peroxide, Laundry wastewater, Reuse, Sustainable water management, UV-C photolysis
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The integration of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the treatment of laundry wastewater could significantly improve resource efficiency and reduce overall freshwater consumption, thus contributing to sustainable water management strategies. This study therefore demonstrated the effectiveness of different AOPs including O3, H2O2, O3/H2O2, O3/UV-C, H2O2/UV-C, and O3/H2O2/UV-C in the treatment of laundry wastewater to determine the most efficient AOP based on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and methylene blue active substances (MBAS). The results showed that the O3/H2O2/UV-C method had the highest removal efficiency for both COD (83%) and MBAS (96%). Additionally, a significant reduction in microbial growth was observed in the treated wastewater compared to untreated raw wastewater. Textile tests with the treated wastewater confirmed its potential for reuse in washing machines, as evidenced by achieving a gray scale number of 5, the highest possible without dyeing. These results are further proof of the feasibility of in-situ treatment for the sustainable reuse of laundry wastewater.