Current methods and technologies for degradation of atrazine in contaminated soil and water: A review

• Published in: Environmental technology & innovation 2021-11, Vol.24, p.102019, Article 102019
• Main Authors: Rostami, Saeid, Jafari, Shaghayegh, Moeini, Zohre, Jaskulak, Marta, Keshtgar, Leila, Badeenezhad, Ahmad, Azhdarpoor, Abooalfazl, Rostami, Majid, Zorena, Katarzyna, Dehghani, Mansooreh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atrazine degradation pathway; Endocrine disruptors; Environmental pollution; Herbicide; Metabolites of atrazine
• ISSN: 2352-1864; 2352-1864
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2021.102019

Atrazine is one of the most widely-used chlorine herbicides in agriculture. In recent years, studies have shown a potential hazard of atrazine use in environmental health and human health. Due to its toxicity, widespread use, relatively high stability in water and soil, determining safe and efficient methods of its removal is crucial. The main aim of this review was to showcase the recent progress of atrazine degradation methods, along with their main advantages, disadvantages, potential efficiency, and degradation pathways. The overall goal was to create an information gateway for researchers, and stakeholders interested in choosing the best method for atrazine degradation. Thus, the current technologies for atrazine degradation are systematically reviewed and can be used for future improvements or the selection of the most appropriate strategy for a specific place. [Display omitted] •Atrazine is one of the most widely-used chlorine herbicides in agriculture.•A systematic review of novel methods of atrazine degradation.•Dealkylation and dechlorination are dominant pathways in atrazine degradation.•The physicochemical technologies are fast, efficient but invasive and expensive.•The biological methods are cheaper and environmentally safe but need improvement.