The structure-activity relationship of aromatic compounds in advanced oxidation processes：a review

Algae-driven bacterial production of extracellular reactive oxygen species for emerging contaminants degradation

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are ubiquitous in natural surface waters, posing significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Symbiotic systems comprising photoautotrophic algae and associated bacteria offer a promising approach for the bioremediation of aquatic environments. This study investigated the degradation of five ECs (carbamazepine, diclofenac, atenolol, sulfamethoxazole, and ofloxacin) by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated through algal-bacterial interactions. The algal-bacterial system exhibited superior degradation efficiencies, achieving 96 %, 97 %, 89 %, 72 %, and 77 % removal for the respective ECs after 6 days, far surpassing the performance of pure bacterial or algal systems. Elevated levels of biogenic ROS were observed in the algal-bacterial system, with extracellular superoxide radicals (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) identified as key drivers of the degradation process. Under ECs stress, the algal-bacterial system maintained cellular integrity and metabolic activity by upregulating pathways related to carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism, thereby enhancing its resistance. These findings highlight the significant potential of algal-bacterial systems for the transformation of ECs, offering a sustainable strategy for bioremediation and the restoration of ecosystem health.

Mechanistic insights into fluoranthene degradation: Activation of peroxymonosulfate by mackinawite and pyrite in aqueous solution and soil slurry

The slow regeneration of Fe(II) in conventional Fenton and Fenton-like systems poses significant limitations for sustained and continuous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is critical for effective pollutant degradation. This study investigates the use of iron sulfide minerals-specifically, mackinawite (FeS) and pyrite (FeS2)-as both activators and reductants in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based Fenton-like systems to enhance Fe(II) regeneration and improve pollutant degradation efficiency. Results demonstrate that over 90 % of fluoranthene (FLT) was degraded within 60 min using the PMS/FeS and PMS/FeS2 systems. Reactive species including SO4-•, HO•, and 1O2 were generated in both systems, with SO4-• playing a primary role in FLT degradation, while 1O2 contributed partially to the process. Both FeS and FeS2 maintained structural stability during PMS activation, with surface Fe(II) oxidized to Fe(III) and reductive sulfur species (S2- in FeS and S22- in FeS2) facilitating the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle before ultimately converting to SO42-. These systems demonstrated robust performance across diverse water matrices, achieving excellent FLT degradation in actual groundwater and soil slurry, underscoring the promising application potential of PMS/FeS and PMS/FeS2 systems for remediating FLT-contaminated environments.

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics using Z-scheme MIL-88(Fe)/Ti3C2/MoO3: Mechanistic insights and toxicity assessment

Antibiotic residues cause water contamination and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Herein, we reported the fabrication of a novel Z-scheme heterojunction, MIL-88A(Fe)/Ti3C2/MoO3 (MTO), for safe and efficient removal of antibiotics. Ti3C2 was introduced into the MIL-88A(Fe)/MoO3 (MO) heterojunction as an electronic mediator to accelerate charge separation. Consequently, the ternary MTO achieved a tetracycline (TC) degradation rate 2.5 times higher than that of MO. Notably, the MTO heterojunction maintained high TC degradation efficiency over 36 consecutive hours without significant decline. Photogenerated holes, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals synergistically led to efficient and deep mineralization of TC. Furthermore, toxicity assessments were performed using Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.), bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli) cultivation, wheat germination and cultivation. The results all confirmed the safe degradation of TC. Therefore, this study provides a promising strategy for photocatalytic removal of antibiotics and promotes sustainable water purification technologies.

Elucidating molecular characteristics of organic compounds during ozone micro-bubbles treatment based on GC × GC-QTOF-MS and non-targeted analysis

The ozone micro-bubbles (OCBs) technology is increasingly gaining traction as a promising alternative method for organic compounds removal in wastewater. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of literature addressing the molecular-level transformation of organic compounds during OCBs treatment. In this work, the secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant was treated with ozone milli-bubbles (OLBs) and OCBs, and the fate of organic compounds at the molecular level was investigated using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-QTOF-MS). The findings revealed that, compared to OLBs, OCBs increased the total mass transfer coefficient by 1.46 times and the half-life of ozone by 4 times. Consequently, OCBs enhanced the removal rates of CODcr, NH4+-N, UV254, and TOC at the 30-min mark by 8.91%, 8.65%, 10.11%, and 2.15%, respectively. In the raw water, 710 organic compounds were detected, decreasing to 668 and 478 after treatment with OLBs and OCBs, respectively. Furthermore, the organic compounds with higher molecular weight and unsaturation degree were more prone to mineralization in the OCBs process. It was also identified that OCBs exhibited nearly 100% removal of amines, unsaturated hydrocarbons, aldehydes, phenols, and aromatic amides. It is noteworthy that, among the 15 identified emerging contaminants (ECs), the removal efficiency of OCBs (53.3%) was higher than that of OLBs (33.3%), with fewer by-products. More deeply, based on 30 common reactions, the primary reactions occurring in OLBs treatment were dealkylations, whereas the abundant hydroxyl radicals in OCBs treatment facilitated the oxidation reaction (+O). This study contributes to the exploration of the potential of OCBs technology in treating secondary effluent, providing invaluable insights for its rational application in practical scenarios.

MnCe-based catalysts for removal of organic pollutants in urban wastewater by advanced oxidation processes - A critical review

With Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) widely promoted, MnCe-based catalysts have received extensive attention under the advantages of high efficiency, stability and economy for refractory organic pollutants present in urban wastewater. Driven by multiple factors such as environmental pollution, technological development, and policy promotion, a systematic review of MnCe-based catalysts is urgently needed in the current research situation. This research provides a critical review of MnCe-based catalysts for removal of organic pollutants in urban wastewater by AOPs. It is found that co-precipitation and sol-gel methods are more appropriate methods for catalyst preparation. Among a host of influence factors, catalyst composition and pH are crucial in the catalytic oxidation processes. The synergistic effect of the free radical pathway and surface catalysis results in better pollutants degradation. It is more valuable to utilize multiple systems for oxidation (e.g., photo-Fenton technology) to improve the catalytic efficiency. This review provides theoretical guidance for MnCe-based catalysts and offers a reference direction for future research in the AOPs of organic pollutants removal from urban wastewater.

Plant‐Derived Phytochemicals and Their Nanoformulations for Inducing Programed Cell Death in Cancer

Phytochemicals are a diverse class of compounds found in various plant‐based foods and beverages that have displayed the capacity to exert powerful anticancer effects through the induction of programed cell death (PCD) in malignancies. PCD is a sophisticated process that maintains in upholding tissue homeostasis and eliminating injured or neoplastic cells. Phytochemicals have shown the potential to induce PCD in malignant cells through various mechanisms, including modulation of cell signaling pathways, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interaction with critical targets in cells such as DNA. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that nanomaterials loaded with phytochemicals may enhance cell death in tumors, which can also stimulate antitumor immunity. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the anticancer effects of phytochemicals and their potential as a promising approach to cancer therapy, is provided. The impacts of phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin, apigenin, quercetin, and some approved plant‐derived drugs, such as taxanes on the regulation of some types of PCD, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, anoikis, autophagic cell death, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, are discussed. The underlying mechanisms and the potential of nanomaterials loaded with phytochemicals to enhance PCD in tumors are also explained.

A cobalt-modified covalent organic framework enables highly efficient degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in high concentrations through peroxymonosulfate activation

The development of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) which can rapidly degrade high concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenol is of great significance for its practical application. In this work, we report a cobalt-doped two-dimensional (2D) COF (JLNU-307-Co) for the ultra-efficient degradation of high concentration 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The JLNU-307-Co/PMS system takes only 3 min to degrade 100% of 50 mg L-1 2,4-DCP and shows excellent catalytic stability in real water. The superoxide radical (O2˙-) and singlet oxygen (1O2) play a major role in the system through capture experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) tests. Compared to most previously reported catalysts, JLNU-307-Co/PMS showed the highest efficiency to date in degrading 2,4-DCP. This work not only demonstrates the potential of COFs as a catalyst for water environmental treatment, but also provides unprecedented insights into the degradation of organic pollutants.

Unraveling the Role of Humic Acid in the Oxidation of Phenolic Contaminants by Soluble Manganese Oxo-Anions

Humic acid (HA) is ubiquitous in natural aquatic environments and effectively accelerates decontamination by permanganate (Mn(VII)). However, the detailed mechanism remains uncertain. Herein, the intrinsic mechanisms of HA's impact on phenolics oxidation by Mn(VII) and its intermediate manganese oxo-anions were systematically studied. Results suggested that HA facilitated the transfer of a single electron from Mn(VII), resulting in the sequential formation of Mn(VI) and Mn(V). The formed Mn(V) was further reduced to Mn(III) through a double electron transfer process by HA. Mn(III) was responsible for the HA-boosted oxidation as the active species attacking pollutants, while Mn(VI) and Mn(V) tended to act as intermediate species due to their own instability. In addition, HA could serve as a stabilizer to form a complex with produced Mn(III) and retard the disproportionation of Mn(III). Notably, manganese oxo-anions did not mineralize HA but essentially changed its composition. According to the results of Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and the second derivative analysis of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, we found that manganese oxo-anions triggered the decomposition of C-H bonds on HA and subsequently produced oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., C-O). This study might shed new light on the HA/manganese oxo-anion process.

Effects of dissolved organic matter and halogen ions on phototransformation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aquatic environments

Photochemical reactions contribute to the attenuation and transformation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface natural waters. Nevertheless, effects of DOM and halogen ions on phototransformation of PPCPs remain elusive. This work selected disparate PPCPs as target pollutants to investigate their aquatic phototransformation processes. Results show that PPCPs containing multiple electron-donating groups (-OH, -NH2, -OR, etc.) are more reactive with photochemically produced reactive intermediates (PPRIs) such as triplet DOM (3DOM*), singlet oxygen (1O2), and reactive halogen species (RHSs), relative to PPCPs containing electron-withdrawing groups (-NOR, -COOR, -OCR, etc.). The generation of RHSs as a result of the coexistance of DOM and halide ions changed the contribution of PPRIs to the photochemical conversion of PPCPs during their migration from fresh water to seawater. For PPCPs (AMP, SMZ, PN, NOR, CIP, etc) with highly reactive groups toward RHSs, the generation of RHSs facilitated their photolysis in halide ion-rich waters, where Cl- plays a critical role in the photochemical transformation of PPCPs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that single electron transfer and H-abstraction are main reaction pathways of RHSs with the PPCPs. These results demonstate the irreplaceable roles of PPRIs and revealing the underlying reaction mechanisms during the phototransformation of PPCPs, which contributes to a better understanding of the environmental behaviors of PPCPs in complex aquatic environments.

What is the role of nitrate/nitrite in trace organic contaminants degradation and transformation during UV-based advanced oxidation processes?

The effectiveness of UV-based advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) in degrading trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) can be significantly influenced by the ubiquitous presence of nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) in water and wastewater. Indeed, NO3-/NO2- can play multiple roles of NO3-/NO2- in UV-AOPs, leading to complexities and conflicting results observed in existing research. They can inhibit the degradation of TrOCs by scavenging reactive species and/or competitively absorbing UV light. Conversely, they can also enhance the elimination of TrOCs by generating additional •OH and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Furthermore, the presence of NO3-/NO2- during UV-AOP treatment can affect the transformation pathways of TrOCs, potentially resulting in the nitration/nitrosation of TrOCs. The resulting nitro(so)-products are generally more toxic than the parent TrOCs and may become precursors of nitrogenous disinfection byproducts (N-DBPs) upon chlorination. Particularly, since the impact of NO3-/NO2- in UV-AOPs is largely due to the generation of RNS from NO3-/NO2- including NO•, NO2•, and peroxynitrite (ONOO-/ONOOH), this review covers the generation, properties, and detection methods of these RNS. From kinetic, mechanistic, and toxicologic perspectives, future research needs are proposed to advance the understanding of how NO3-/NO2- can be exploited to improve the performance of UV-AOPs treating TrOCs. This critical review provides a comprehensive framework outlining the multifaceted impact of NO3-/NO2- in UV-AOPs, contributing insights for basic research and practical applications of UV-AOPs containing NO3-/NO2-.

Nanomagnetic CoFe2O4@SiO2-EA-H3PO4 as a zwitterionic catalyst for the synthesis of bioactive pyrazolopyranopyrimidines and dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles

This study presents the development of a phosphoric acid-based zwitterionic catalyst immobilized on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles [CoFe2O4@SiO2-EA-H3PO4]. The structure of the nanocatalyst CoFe2O4@SiO2-EA-H3PO4 was identified by applying several spectroscopic techniques, i.e. FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, elemental Mapping, VSM, TGA, and BET techniques. The catalytic efficiency of CoFe2O4@SiO2-EA-H3PO4 was evaluated in the water-based multicomponent synthesis of pyrazolopyranopyrimidine and dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives. Subsequently, an exploration of the antibacterial properties of the compounds was conducted. The catalytic system offers several advantages, encompassing high efficiency, brief reaction duration, uncomplicated operation, and facile recycling of the catalyst.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships for the reaction kinetics of trace organic contaminants with one-electron oxidants

Understanding the reactivity between trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) and radicals involved in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is necessary for a good process design, but the experimentally determined rate constants (k values) are not sufficient for numerous artificial TrOCs. Thus, the development of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for predicting k values may be an effective way to address this limitation. In this work, we developed QSARs for the reactions of TrOCs with AOP-related one-electron oxidants. Specifically, 15 QSARs using Hammett constants and 8 cross-correlations were developed based on the k values of over 400 reactions between TrOCs (most contain electron-rich moieties, such as phenol, aniline, and alkoxy benzene) and 5 one-electron oxidants (SO4˙-, Br˙, Br2˙-, Cl2˙-, and CO3˙-). Overall, the developed QSARs show a good predictive performance with 94% (237/251, for Hammett constant-based QSARs) and 80% (218/274, for cross-correlations) of the k values predicted within a factor of 3. All the Hammett constant-based QSARs show negative slope values and all cross-correlations show positive relationships, suggesting all 5 one-electron oxidants mainly share similar electrophilic mechanisms with the TrOCs highlighted in this work. Previous QSAR studies on the k values of one-electron oxidants were compared and integrated into their model analysis. Furthermore, k values predicted herein from the QSARs were used to evaluate the degradation of TrOCs during UV/persulfate and UV/chlorine treatment in multiple wastewater matrices, which were demonstrated to be useful. Finally, remarks on the use of the developed QSARs were presented.

Experimental determination and QSAR analysis of the rate constants for SO5•- reactions with aromatic micropollutants in water

S(IV)-based systems used for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been constructed for the degradation of organic contaminants via oxysulfur radicals, including SO3•-, SO4•-, and SO5•-. Although SO5•- is proposed as an active species in AOPs processes, research on the reactivity of SO5•- has remained unclear. In this work, 53 target aromatic micropollutants (AMPs), including 13 phenols, 27 amines, and 13 PPCPs were selected to determine the second-order reaction rate constants for SO5•- using the competitive kinetics method, in which the [Formula: see text] values, observed at pH 4 ranged from (2.44 ± 0.00) × 105 M-1 s-1 to (4.41 ± 0.28) × 107 M-1 s-1. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for the oxidation of AMPs by SO5•- were developed based on 40 [Formula: see text] values of amines and phenols, and their molecular descriptors, using the stepwise multiple linear regression method. This comprehensive model exhibited the excellent goodness-of-fit (Radj2 = 0.802), robustness (QLOO2 = 0.749), and predictability (Qext2 = 0.656), and the one-electron oxidation potential (Eox), energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), and most positive net atomic charge on the carbon atoms (qC+) were considered the most influential descriptors for the comprehensive model, indicating that SO5•- oxidizes pollutants via single electron transfer reaction and exhibits a strong oxidation capacity, especially for pollutants containing electron-donating groups. Moreover, the [Formula: see text] values of 13 PPCPs were predicted using this comprehensive model, which suggested the practical application significance of the QSAR model. This study emphasizes the direct oxidation capacity of SO5•-, which is important to evaluate and simulate AOPs based on S(IV).

Cold Plasma for Green Advanced Reduction/Oxidation Processes (AROPs) of Organic Pollutants in Water

Cold plasma is gaining increasing attention as a novel tool to activate energy demanding chemical processes, including advanced reduction/oxidation processes (AROPs) of organic pollutants in water. The very complex milieu generated by discharges at the water/plasma interface comprises photons, strong oxidants and strong reductants which can be exploited for achieving the degradation of most any kind of pollutants. Despite the complexity of these systems, the powerful arsenal of mechanistic tools and chemical probes of physical organic chemists can be usefully applied to understand and develop plasma chemistry. Specifically, the added value of air plasma generated by in situ discharge with respect to ozonation (ex situ discharge) is demonstrated using phenol and various phenol derivatives and mechanistic evidence for the prevailing role of hydroxyl radicals in the initial attack is presented. On the reduction front, the impressive performance of cold plasma in inducing the degradation of recalcitrant perfluoroalkyl substances, which do not react with OH radicals but are attacked by electrons, is reported and discussed. The widely different reactivities of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) underline the crucial role played in these processes by the interface between plasma and solution and the surfactant properties of the treated pollutants.

Behavior of organic components and the migration of heavy metals during sludge dewatering by different advanced oxidation processes via optical spectroscopy and molecular fingerprint analysis

A comparative study of the different advanced oxidation processes (Fe(II)-Oxone, Fe(II)-H2O2, and Fe(II)-NaClO) was carried out herein to analyze the characteristics of organic components and the migration of heavy metals in waste activated sludge. With the Fe(II)-Oxone and Fe(II)-H2O2 treatments, sludge dewaterability was significantly improved, however, sludge dewaterability was deteriorated by the Fe(II)-NaClO treatment. The enhanced sludge dewaterability by the Fe(II)-Oxone and Fe(II)-H2O2 treatments was strongly correlated with the shifted organic components, particularly proteins, in soluble extracellular polymeric substances (S-EPS), while the deteriorated sludge dewaterability by the Fe(II)-NaClO treatment was strongly correlated with the over release of organic components from bound EPS (B-EPS) to S-EPS. For both the Fe(II)-Oxone and Fe(II)-H2O2 treatments, the radicals preferentially attacked humic acid-like organic components over the protein-like organic components in S-EPS, while for the Fe(II)-NaClO treatment, interestingly, the radicals preferentially attacked the protein-like organic components in both S-EPS and B-EPS. The hydrophilic functional groups like phenolic OH and CO of polysaccharides may be more preferentially migrated to S-EPS of sludge by the Fe(II)-NaClO treatment compared to the other two treatments. With the Fe(II)-Oxone and Fe(II)-H2O2 treatments, the proportion of aliphatic compounds as well as the much oxygenated organic components with a low desaturation and a low molecular weight increased. While with the Fe(II)-NaClO treatment, the proportion of low oxygenated organic components with a high desaturation and a high molecular weight increased. The concentration of total organic carbon, particularly the concentration of proteins, may be the key factor determining the shift of Zn and Cu from sludge solid to liquid phase, along with the high oxidation extent of organic components and close binding to CHOS and CHON compounds as indicated by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. This study systematically revealed the simultaneous sludge dewatering and migration of heavy metals when the role of organic components was factored into herein.

Structural Features Promoting Photocatalytic Degradation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Insights into Degradation Mechanism Employing QSA/PR Modeling

Although heterogeneous photocatalysis has shown promising results in degradation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), the mechanistic implications related to structural diversity of chemicals, affecting oxidative (by HO•) or reductive (by O2•−) degradation pathways are still scarce. In this study, the degradation extents and rates of selected organics in the absence and presence of common scavengers for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during photocatalytic treatment were determined. The obtained values were then brought into correlation as K coefficients (MHO•/MO2•−), denoting the ratio of organics degraded by two occurring mechanisms: oxidation and reduction via HO• and O2•−. The compounds possessing K >> 1 favor oxidative degradation over HO•, and vice versa for reductive degradation (i.e., if K << 1 compounds undergo reductive reactions driven by O2•−). Such empirical values were brought into correlation with structural features of CECs, represented by molecular descriptors, employing a quantitative structure activity/property relationship (QSA/PR) modeling. The functional stability and predictive power of the resulting QSA/PR model was confirmed by internal and external cross-validation. The most influential descriptors were found to be the size of the molecule and presence/absence of particular molecular fragments such as C − O and C − Cl bonds; the latter favors HO•-driven reaction, while the former the reductive pathway. The developed QSA/PR models can be considered robust predictive tools for evaluating distribution between degradation mechanisms occurring in photocatalytic treatment.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship for the photooxidation of aromatic micro-pollutants induced by graphene oxide in water

The photocatalytic degradation behavior of aromatic micro-pollutants (AMPs) exhibits complexity and uncertainty, which mainly depends on the properties of different substituents on benzene. And with similar catalytic reaction substrates, the reaction rate constant could reveal the influence of different characteristics of molecular structure in a specific system. Therefore, the photooxidation pseudo first-order kinetic rate constants (k_obs) of 30 AMPs were experimentally determined in Photo-GO system. A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model for predicting the photooxidation reaction of AMPs has been developed by stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) method, based on the lg k_obs and representative molecule descriptors (20 in total) including physicochemical, quantum chemical and electrostatic descriptors. Afterwards, R_adj², Q_LOO², and Q_ext² were calculated as 0.870, 0.841, and 0.732 respectively, which exhibited the excellent goodness-of-fit, robustness, and predictability of the QSAR model, indicating its great prediction ability for photooxidation behavior of AMPs. Meanwhile, during the photooxidation process of AMPs with GO, the model revealed that the one-electron oxidation potential (E_ox), molecular dipole moment (μ), and number of hydrogen bond donors (#HD) were the most important molecular structural parameters, which showed that the single electron transfer pathway and adsorption were as the significant steps. Additionally, the Hammett correlation showed that photooxidation of AMPs in Photo-GO system is of typical electrophilic reactions, which demonstrated that the electron-donating substituents could promote the photooxidation of AMPs. The QSAR model was constructed and evaluated to perform the prediction of AMPs reaction kinetics, which provided a guidance for the study of the mechanism and selective oxidation of AOPs photooxidation system based on GO.

Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of mono and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - A review

Aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) are toxic environmental contaminants presented in most of the environmental matrices. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of AHs in the account of complete mineralization from various environmental matrices have been reviewed in this paper. An in-depth discussion on various AOPs for mono (BTEX) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives is presented. Most of the AOPs were effective in the removal of AHs from the aquatic environment. A comparative study on the degradation of various AHs revealed that the oxidation of the AHs is strongly dependent on the number of aromatic rings and the functional groups attached to the ring. The formation of halogenated and nitrated derivatives of AHs in the real contaminated water containing chloride, nitrite, and nitrate ions seems to be a challenge in using the AOPs in real systems. The phenolic compounds, quinone, alcohols, and aliphatic acids are the important byproducts formed during the oxidation of AHs, initiated by the attack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on their electron-rich center. In conclusion, AOPs are the adaptable method for the removal of AHs from different environmental matrices. The persulfate-based AOPs were applied in the soil phase removal as an in situ chemical oxidation of AHs. Moreover, the combination of AOPs will be a conclusive solution to avoid or minimize unexpected or other toxic intermediate products and to obtain rapid oxidation of AHs.