Abstract: The special features of sub-critical and supercritical water are introduced. An overview of the applications of sub-critical and supercritical hydrothermal treatment for disposing organic wastes in the recent years is presented，including production of organic acid by oxidation and hydrolysis，and degradation of polymers and cellulosic wastes. The progress of research on hydrogen production from biomass by sub-critical and supercritical hydrothermal treatment，especially the catalytic gasification by carbon，alkali，and metal are summarized. The prospect of the sub-critical and supercritical hydrothermal treatment is presented.
supercritical and sub-critical water；hydrothermal treatment；organic wastes