The persistence and hazardous potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with compounds such as anthracene and phenanthrene, raise significant concerns about human health and environmental safety. PAHs are ubiquitous environmental pollutants originating from natural processes and anthropogenic activities, notably fossil fuel combustion. Due to their stability, they tend to accumulate in ecosystems, posing risks to wildlife and human health through bioaccumulation and potential carcinogenicity. Conventional remediation techniques, such as physical adsorption and biological treatment, often fall short in their efficiency and long-term sustainability. Thus, there is an urgent need for innovative methods that can effectively degrade these persistent organic pollutants. Here, we reviewed recent advancements in the photocatalytic degradation of anthracene and phenanthrene, with a focus on metal oxide-based nanocomposites. The major points were: (1) Metal oxides such as TiO2, ZnO, and CuO, recognized for their photocatalytic properties (they show significantly enhanced efficiency when utilized as a part of nanocomposites, primarily due to the improved charge separation, increased surface area, and numerous active sites); (2) The review of the photocatalytic mechanisms involved in PAH degradation, particularly through the generation of reactive oxygen species that can break down anthracene and phenanthrene into less harmful compounds; and (3) The insights into the formed intermediates and reaction pathways, which can help to deepen the understanding of PAH breakdown and support the design of more efficient catalytic systems for future environmental remediation applications.
Nedelkovski et al. (2026) studied this question.