Research progress on brominated flame retardants degradation by peroxymonosulfate-based advanced oxidation process

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), widely used organic flame retardants, have been commonly detected in environmental media and organisms. Due to their cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and endocrine-disrupting effects, there is an urgent need to develop rapid and effective removal technologies. The advanced oxidation technology of persulfate, with its high redox potential, strong efficiency of reactive radicals generated under specific conditions and high efficiency in treating refractory organic pollutants, has received extensive attention and has been applied to the removal of emerging pollutants like BFRs. However, the performance evaluation and mechanism analysis of this technology in the field of BFRs removal still require further in-depth investigation. This paper first systematically discusses the sources and hazards of emerging pollutants like BFRs, then evaluates the efficiency of persulfate oxidation degradation of BFRs under different activation methods, subsequently elucidates the main mechanisms of action, and finally looks forward to future research directions. This study can provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the efficient removal of brominated flame retardant emerging pollutants in the environment.