Bisphenol A Contamination in Aquatic Environments: A Current Review of Remediation Technologies and Pathways for Future Solutions

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has raised significant environmental and public health concerns due to its widespread use and persistence in aquatic environments. This review explores the contamination of aquatic environment by BPA, its sources, and its toxicological effects on ecosystems and human health. BPA, primarily used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, enters water bodies through industrial effluents, landfill leachates, and wastewater discharge. Its harmful impact includes endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, and developmental toxicity, which affects both aquatic life and humans who rely on contaminated water sources. Current remediation strategies, such as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), have shown promise in degrading BPA but face challenges in scalability and efficiency. Technologies such as ozonation, Fenton’s process, and peracetic acid based systems have been explored, showing varying degrees of effectiveness in removing BPA from contaminated water. Additionally, the use of carbonaceous materials like activated carbon and biochar has enhanced the efficiency of these processes. Despite these advancements, complete BPA degradation remains difficult, and further research is required to optimize these technologies. Moreover, stronger regulatory frameworks are essential to manage BPA contamination, with varying regulations being implemented across different regions. The review concludes by highlighting the need for integrated approaches combining improved treatment technologies and stricter regulations to mitigate BPA contamination and safeguard environmental and public health.