Xenobiotics are synthetic chemicals that are alien to an ecosystem. Regrettably, they have become ubiquitous in the hydrosphere due to anthropogenic activities. They invade aquatic ecosystems via diverse means and persist due to their exceptional chemical stability. The degradation pathways of these chemicals in the hydrosphere involve a complex interplay of biological, chemical, and physical processes. This review explores and elucidates the diverse mechanisms by which xenobiotics undergo degradation in aquatic environments. Microbial biodegradation, influenced by diverse microbial communities, plays a pivotal role in transforming xenobiotics into metabolites that may exhibit altered toxicity profiles. Additionally, photolysis and abiotic degradation processes driven by factors such as solar radiation and water chemistry contribute to the breakdown of xenobiotics over time. Additionally, factors influencing degradation rates, such as chemical structure, environmental conditions, and microbial communities, are discussed in detail. Despite these natural processes, concerns regarding the persistence and potential accumulation of xenobiotics in the hydrosphere remain significant. Future research directions include enhancing our comprehension of the role of the aquatic microbiota, investigating emerging contaminants, and formulating sustainable management practices to mitigate the long-term consequences of xenobiotic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Addressing these challenges will be pivotal in safeguarding water quality and ecosystem health in the face of increasing xenobiotic contamination.