Biophotoelectrochemistry for the treatment of emerging contaminants

Emerging contaminants (ECs) of significant concern are widely distributed throughout the environment due to various industrial practices and human activities. Given the alarming ecological threats and potential risks that ECs pose to human health and aquatic life, even at trace concentrations, it is imperative to develop innovative technologies to effectively address these challenges. The biophotoelectrochemistry (BPEC) system, which integrates microbial cells with photosensitizers for solar-to-chemical conversion, holds great potential as an efficient strategy for the removal of ECs. In this review, we provide new insights into the BPEC system for the ECs treatment by systematically summarizing the classification, sources, and environmental occurrence of ECs. Additionally, we explore the research progress and degradation mechanisms in ECs removal with BPEC. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives for the applications of the BPEC system in the ECs treatment are analyzed. This review aims to promote the development of BPEC technology for ECs treatment, offering a promising prospect for environmental remediation, circular economy, and clean-energy production.