The pivotal role of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ)non-radical reactive species in advanced oxidation processes(AOPs)mediated water treatment approaches has been paid extensive attention,due to the high reactivity and selective oxidation ability of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ).This paper firstly reviews the physicochemical properties as well as the oxidation kinetics and mechanisms of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ).Moreover,the advanced methods for identifying the formation of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ)is systematically summarized,with emphasizing the methods including operando spectroscopic characterization,chemical probe identification,and isotopic tracer technique.Furthermore,the generation mechanisms of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ)in various Fe2+ions activated AOPs(Fe2+/H2O2,Fe2+/peroxymonosulfate,Fe2+/peroxydisulfate,Fe2+/HClO,Fe2+/HIO4,and Fe2+/peracetic acid processes)are discussed.In addition,the engineering application prospect of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ)in water treatment processes is provided based on the state-of-the-art research progress about aqueous Fe(Ⅳ).This review offers theoretical foundation and practical guidance for both the research and application of aqueous Fe(Ⅳ).