Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of artificial sweeteners from aqueous environments: A comprehensive review

Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are widely detected in aquatic environments due to their high solubility and long halflives. The growing concern regarding their environmental persistence and potential risks to human health highlights the need for effective treatment technologies. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising methods for ASs removal, offering energy efficiency and the potential for complete mineralization. It emphasized the effectiveness, degradation pathways and influencing factors associated with photocatalytic oxidation, electrocatalytic oxidation and ozonation, as well as their synergistic application with Fenton and persulfate oxidation. The integration of light and electrical energy significantly enhanced the activation of oxidants, leading to efficient and rapid degradation. Ozone showed substantial potential due to its ability to generate a high amount of hydroxyl radicals upon activation. This review summarizes common ASs and their removal by AOPs. Considering removal efficiencies, it is suggested that ASs with a bicyclic structure is more suitable for synergistic AOPs removal. Challenges include the stability of bicyclic structures and prolonged treatment time. Future research should focus on optimizing reaction systems and scaling up these processes for practical applications.