Synthetic endocrine disruptors in the environment and water remediation by advanced oxidation processes

The present study is an overview of the literature on classes and types of compounds described as “endocrine disruptors” and their treatability in water by advanced oxidation processes, which generate hydroxyl radicals in water. The review is limited to details of the destruction of three classes of endocrine disruptors, namely bisphenols, alkylphenols and phthalates, which are among the most highly suspected endocrine disrupting compounds that interfere with the hormonal system of wildlife. It was found that photocatalysis with titanium dioxide was the most frequently tested advanced oxidation method most likely due its potential to render complete mineralization. There is sufficient research also with direct and indirect photolysis and ozonation, which were less effective for the overall mineralization but more representative of the conditions existing in real water treatment plants.