Performance indicators for a holistic evaluation of catalyst-based degradation—A case study of selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)

Considerable efforts have been made to develop effective and sustainable catalysts, e.g., carbon-/biochar-based catalyst, for the decontamination of organic pollutants in water/wastewater. Most published studies evaluated catalytic performance mainly upon degradation efficiency parent compounds; however, comprehensive field-relevant assessment is still need. This review critically analysed indicators from perspectives of: (1) compounds, i.e., concentrations, kinetics, reactive oxidative species (ROS) analysis, residual oxidant concentration; (2) formation intermediates by-products, evolution inorganic ions, total carbon (TOC); (3) impact treated samples, toxicity evolution, disinfection effect, biodegradability test. Five most frequently detected pharmaceuticals personal care products (PPCPs) (sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, diclofenac, acetaminophen) were selected as a case study articulate holistic evaluation degradation. also encourages development alternative facilitate rational design catalysts future studies.