Investigation of Advanced Oxidation Processes Based on Ultraviolet Radiation for the Removal of Phthalate Compounds from Aquatic Environments

Background: Phthalates are among the most significant industrial pollutants that endanger human health.These endocrine-disrupting compounds are commonly used in the manufacture of furniture and plastic containers, which can easily enter water sources through wastewater flow.Photochemical advanced oxidation processes have attracted considerable attention among the methods for removing these pollutants from aquatic environments.Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare advanced oxidation processes based on ultraviolet radiation for the removal of phthalate compounds from aquatic environments.Materials and Methods: For the current study, after searching the keywords in the databases "ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley, Springer, SID, Magiran" from January 2013 to December 2024, a total of 693 articles were found, which after screening and full review of the articles, finally 54 articles were registered and used in the study.The criterion for the entry of articles was their relevance of the content to the subject matter.Results: Ultraviolet radiation alone can partially degrade phthalate compounds.However, this radiation is ineffective against many of these compounds; thus, effective removal of phthalate compounds with this method requires combining ultraviolet radiation with oxidants.Various advanced oxidation processes based on ultraviolet radiation exist, mainly including UV/H2O2, UV/H2O2/Fe +2 , UV/H2O2/Fe +3 , UV/Cl -, UV/persulfate, UV/H2O2/Fe +2 -oxalate, UV/TiO2, UV/Cl -/TiO2, and UV/O3.Generally, the UV/Cl -cyanurate process is recognized as the most cost-effective advanced oxidation process based on ultraviolet radiation.Conclusion: After examining the characteristics and performance of these processes for removing phthalate compounds from aquatic environments, the UV/Cl --cyanurates process was ultimately recommended due to its lower energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and particularly its ability for nearly 100% removal efficiency.