New progress in photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A as representative endocrine disrupting chemicals

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a kind of hazardous pollutants in the environment which threaten the health of humans and animals at very low concentrations. EDCs and corresponding processing methods have been the hottest topics of scientific research in recent years. In this article, the classification, risks, occurrence, fate, and treatment methods of EDCs were briefly summarized. Among all of the treatment methods, photocatalytic degradation was one of the most ideal methods with bright prospects for BPA removal in the future. We summarized several problems restricting the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation and the latest progress, and proposed some suggestions on the improvement of photocatalytic degradation. Finally, mechanism of BPA's photocatalytic degradation had been summarized on the basis of free radical theory. New progress and opinions were provided in this review and we wish to provide a helpful guidance of EDCs removal for international readers.