Advancements in Understanding the Occurrence and Photodegradation Mechanisms of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Aquatic Environments

Abstract

Emerging contaminations in aquatic environment have accelerated the threats to human health in the last decade. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have received significant attention due to their persistence, diverse sources, and concealed risks. Factors such as abundance, transformation, and treatment technology are all important to affect the final fate of the PPCPs. Here, we investigate the sources of PPCPs in aquatic environments, analyze their distribution across various water bodies, and elucidate the photodegradation mechanisms under complex environmental factors. Our study provides crucial insights that facilitate the prediction of the occurrence and ultimate fate of PPCPs in aquatic systems.