4-Nonylphenol adsorption, environmental impact and remediation: a review

Endocrine-disrupting compounds such as 4-nonylphenol pose significant societal and environmental challenges due to their toxicity and estrogenic properties, adversely impacting human health, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems. The complexity of 4-nonylphenol environmental behavior, its transport mechanisms, and the challenges in mitigating its impact through adsorption processes are critical. Here we review 4-nonylphenol contamination with focus on remediation by adsorption. We found that biofilms can accumulate 4-nonylphenol in aquatic environments; adsorption equilibrium in soils is influenced by temperature; and microplastics facilitate the transport of 4-nonylphenol through ecosystems. We present effective materials for 4-nonylphenol removal, including graphene oxides, silica, zeolites, and activated carbons. We analyze key variables influencing adsorption efficiency, offering a comprehensive database and insights into optimal removal strategies.