Abstract:Coking wastewater contains a complex mixture of organic substances that are challenging to decompose, including phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds (NHCs). These pollutants pose potential threats to the ecological environment and are notoriously difficult to remove via traditional wastewater treatment technologies. In recent years, considerable attention has been directed towards developing more efficient methods for treating coking wastewater. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements in coking wastewater treatment technologies, focusing on their sources, characteristics, pretreatment technologies, biochemical treatments, and advanced treatment technologies. Pretreatment technologies, such as chemical precipitation and biological treatment, are widely employed to remove these pollutants like oil, grease, and heavy metals. Biochemical treatment processes, including A/O and A2/O systems, effectively reduce COD and -N levels, yet show limited effectiveness in degrading refractory organics. Advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane separation and ozone-catalyzed oxidation, show promise in further improving treatment efficiency. Innovations in anti-fouling membranes have significantly extended membrane lifespans and reduced the risk of increased costs and operational interruptions caused by frequent cleaning. Furthermore, this review discusses the zero-discharge strategies for coking wastewater, emphasizing the importance of technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency. Integrated processes can facilitate resource recovery while minimizing environmental impacts. Future research will focus on reducing energy consumption, improving resource recovery and reuse, and optimizing treatment processes to achieve green and low-carbon treatment of coking wastewater. By advancing these areas, researchers aim to unlock a more sustainable future for this critical sector. Collaboration between scientists and engineers will be essential for developing novel materials and catalysts that enhance reaction efficiencies while reducing costs. For instance, self-regenerating catalysts in ozone-catalyzed oxidation could significantly lower replacement frequencies and expenses, offering a practical pathway to cost-effective wastewater treatment. Optimization of process integration is equally crucial; intelligent combination of treatment steps can minimize energy consumption while maximizing resource recovery. A notable example is the coupling anaerobic digestion with membrane bioreactors, which can simultaneously produce biogas as an energy source and generate purified water for reuse. Moreover, the integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) promises to revolutionize coking wastewater treatment. Real-time monitoring and control enabled by these technologies can streamline operations, ensuring optimal use of energy and resource. Through these advancements, the journey toward a more sustainable and efficient treatment process for coking wastewater will be accelerated, benefitting both the environment and industry. Close-