Nanotechnological solutions for endocrine disrupting compounds in water: From advanced detection to sustainable remediation – A review

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) pose a significant threat to global water security due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potent biological activity at low concentrations. Conventional water treatment is often ineffective, necessitating advanced remediation strategies. This comprehensive review examines the transformative potential of nanotechnology for EDC mitigation, highlighting its application in detection, adsorption, and degradation. Nano-enabled approaches demonstrate remarkable efficiencies, including >99.9% rejection by graphene oxide membranes, >95% photocatalytic degradation within 60 minutes using N-doped TiO 2 , and adsorption capacities exceeding 480 mg/g for functionalized metal-organic frameworks. However, challenges regarding nanomaterial environmental fate, economic viability, and scalability remain. The review underscores the need for green synthesis and thorough toxicity assessments. Future directions point to the integration of multi-functional nanocomposites and AI-guided material design as a promising path toward sustainable and intelligent water treatment solutions.