Standardized benchmarking of advanced oxidation processes for tetracycline degradation with life cycle assessment and economic evaluation

The growing prevalence of antibiotic contaminants in water systems demands advanced treatment solutions, yet most evaluations of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) focus narrowly on degradation efficiency while neglecting sustainability trade-offs. This study provides a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) and economic evaluation comparing five AOPs—sonolysis, photolysis, sonophotolysis, Fenton-like oxidation, and electrochemical treatment—for tetracycline degradation in wastewater. Using a standardized functional unit (90 % removal from 1 L of 40 ppm tetracycline solution), we integrate operational data with monetized environmental impacts and operating costs. The analysis reveals significant trade-offs between degradation efficiency and sustainability metrics: while sonochemical treatment achieved the fastest degradation kinetics, it exhibited high environmental burden under current grid electricity conditions. Optimizing the energy efficiency of sonoreactor is the key to improving its sustainability and potentially make it as the most sustainable and affordable option. Fenton oxidation demonstrated slower reaction rates but low carbon footprint and the second favourable economic profile. Electrochemical treatment emerged as the least sustainable option, with platinum electrode production contributing >70 % of total environmental impacts. Sensitivity analysis identified two critical leverage points: (1) catalyst reusability, showing potential for 70 % reduction in CO 2 -equivalent emissions, and (2) electricity carbon intensity, which significantly altered technology rankings. Environmental damage monetization revealed that indirect cost accounted for up to 55 % of total process costs, a frequently overlooked factor in conventional assessments. These findings underscore the need for integrated environmental-economic frameworks in AOP development, moving beyond operational performance to evaluate technologies through combined operational, environmental, and economic lenses. • First standardized LCA and economic evaluation of five AOPs for tetracycline degradation, revealing key sustainability trade-offs • Catalyst production and material sourcing incur up to 90% environmental impacts. • With energy-efficient reactors and green electricity, sonolysis becomes the most sustainable and affordable option • Indirect environmental costs contribute up to 55% of total treatment expenses • Catalyst reuse and green energy can reduce emissions by 70%