Synergistic oxidation process (SOP): Toward cost-efficient and environmentally friendly water treatment solutions

Conventional AOPs are constrained by several limitations, including reliance on radical oxidation mechanisms, spatiotemporal constraints on operation, and a narrow focus on pollutant removal. Conceptual limitations constrain the development of AOP. In contrast, the synergistic oxidation process (SOP) achieves multi-mechanism and multi-objective synergy through strategic process design. This review clarifies the concepts of SOP, and its differences from traditional AOPs and combined/integrated AOPs. It introduces typical cases of SOPs and their mechanisms, including Pre-chlorination and Vacuum UV/UV process for semiconductor wastewater reuse, ozone/UV/chlorine synergistic disinfection, magnetic adsorption-oxidation synergistic process, and the combination of UV/H 2 O 2 and biological activated carbon. Through quantitative analysis of the synergistic effects, cost reduction, and risk control of SOP cases, the synergistic mechanisms and advantages of SOPs are highlighted. The design strategy and evaluation framework for SOP are also established. SOP represents a more promising solution for the safe reuse of reclaimed water and for controlling trace contaminants in aquatic environments. • SOP overcomes mechanism, spatiotemporal and objective limitations of AOP • Multi-mechanism synergy enhances performances and reduces costs • Multi-objective synergy reduces harmful by-products, lowering environmental risks • SOP is an efficient, economical, and sustainable direction for oxidation technology