Unfolding the action mode of light and homogeneous vs. heterogeneous photo-Fenton in bacteria disinfection and concurrent elimination of micropollutants in urban wastewater, mediated by iron oxides in Raceway Pond Reactors

•Iron oxides replaced iron salts as photo-Fenton catalysts for bacteria inactivation.•Heterogeneous photo-Fenton is the driving force of the inactivation.•The applied photo-Fenton configuration permits a simultaneous micropollutant removal.•Continuous mode yields a 5-logU bacterial reduction with 33% micropollutant removal.•Photo-Fenton in raceway pond reactors is efficient for disinfection/decontamination.