• • CA-FeCoCu catalyst achieved >66.7% COD removal in real industrial wastewater, reducing COD from 120 mg·L−1 to below 40 mg·L−1 in a 30-day continuous pilot test, demonstrating long-term stability and industrial viability.
• • The O3 consumption ratio (O/C) was less than 1, indicating that the catalyst significantly improved ozone utilization efficiency, directly reducing operational costs compared to conventional ozonation.
• • The catalyst exhibited high mechanical strength due to γ-Al2O3 support, overcoming the fragility of carbon-based catalysts, and maintained performance over 30 days, addressing a key bottleneck for industrial application.
• • The synergistic effect of Fe, Co, Cu and carbon increased specific surface area and promoted ·OH generation, enhancing degradation efficiency in both simulated phenol wastewater and real industrial effluents.