PECO-WET · Performance evaluation of solar energy driven photo electrochemical oxidation in hybrdization with constructed wetlands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal and treated water reusability

This proposal aims to develop a novel low-cost, solar-driven photo-electrochemical oxidation (PEO) coupled with constructed wetlands (CWs) for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater. The central innovation is the integration of using a nitrogen-doped laser-induced graphene (N-LIG) based Fe–Ni layered double hydroxide (LDH) photoanode along with native Coimbra species for CWs. The PEO step not only ensures efficient PFAS degradation but also enhances biodegradability index of transformation products, creating a favorable influent quality for CWs to achieve natural polishing. This synergy enables reliable contaminant removal while reducing energy and operational costs through the use of solar energy and local natural systems. The treated water will be safely reused for irrigation, landscaping, and other non-potable applications, directly supporting circular water economy principles. By reducing the toxicity and persistence of PFAS before CW treatment, the system extends the lifetime and efficiency of natural wetlands while minimizing sludge production and chemical demand. The low-cost PEO process, coupled with CW units, provides a viable pathway for scale-up and real-world application. This approach is adaptable to decentralised wastewater treatment, industrial discharges as well as municipal reuse projects. The reliance on this proposal aims to develop a low-cost, solar-driven PFAS treatment system as a natural polishing step. The hybrid process enhances PFAS degradation, enables safe water reuse for irrigation and landscaping, and supports sustainable technologies to support scalability and commercialization for real-world wastewater treatment applications.