Electrochemical Technologies for the Abatement of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a class of emerging contaminants capable of interfering with the normal hormonal functioning of humans and other organisms. Even minute concentrations of EDCs in natural receiving water bodies can be minacious and are raising concern globally due to their connection with rising cases in reproductive, immune system, and developmental-related health disorders. These EDCs are released from anthropogenic sources and are routinely detected in the natural environment especially in wastewater. Incapacitated by poor infrastructure and design, conventional wastewater treatment facilities fail to satisfactorily remove the recalcitrant organic pollutants like, parabens, phenols, pesticides, etc., making them one of the biggest sources of EDCs discharged into the environment. Neoteric techniques such as, electrochemical oxidation, electro-Fenton process, electrocoagulation, and other electrochemical technologies (ETs) have emerged as a robust technology for eliminating biorefractory contaminants from different effluents. The setups used in ETs are easy to fabricate, require low chemical additions, produce minimal sludge, and their faster/efficient degradation of recalcitrant compounds give them an edge over their conventional counterparts. However, expensive electrodes and substantial power consumption limit the scale-up application of ETs. Thus, this review attempts to present a holistic view of the applicability and feasibility of ETs with respect to EDCs attenuation from contaminated water and their advancement as a mainstream wastewater management technology.