Advances in technologies for pharmaceuticals and personal care products removal

A wide variety of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) detected in the environment around the world emphasize that it is imperative to develop new technologies for effective and efficient removal of PPCPs. In this article, recent advances in PPCP removal are reviewed. The objective of this work is to illuminate the ongoing development of PPCP removal technologies by adsorption, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), biological technologies, separation processes, and multiple-treatment processes. Among the current treatment options, adsorption and AOPs are two of the most promising methods for efficient removal of PPCPs. The synthesis of highly efficient absorbents and catalysts is expected to remain a focal point for future development of more effective and efficient technologies for PPCP removal. Recent progresses in PPCP removal technologies are summarized, especially on adsorption and advanced oxidation processes using various materials.