During the past two decades, immobilization of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a well-known photocatalyst, on several polymeric substrates has extensively gained ground since it limits the need of post-treatment separation stages. Taking into account the numerous substrates tested for supporting TiO₂ photocatalysts, the use of biodegradable polymer seems a hopeful option owing to its considerable merits, including the flexible nature, low price, chemical inertness, mechanical stability and wide feasibility. The present review places its emphasis on recently published research articles (2011–2021) and exhibits the most innovative studies facilitating the eco-friendly biodegradable polymers to fabricate polymer-based photocatalysts, while the preparation details, photocatalytic performance and reuse of the TiO₂/polymer photocatalysts is also debated. The biodegradable polymers examined herein comprise of chitosan (CS), cellulose, alginate, starch, poly(lactid acid) (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), while an emphasis on the synthetical pathway (dip-coating, electrospinning, etc.) of the photocatalysts is provided.

The main goal of this study is the examination of polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs) as possible carriers of daily use pharmaceutical compounds. The selected compounds can be separated into three groups: (i) antibiotics (Trimethoprim, Metronidazole, Indomethacin, Isoniazid), (ii) anti-inflammatories (Ketoprofen, Diclofenac), and (iii) anti-hypertensive (Valsartan). Two types of PP MPs (virgin and UV-aged) were used in the experimental procedure, and the effect of time and the effect of the initial concentrations of the drugs were examined. The impact of various environmental factors such as pH, salinity, and natural organic matter were also explored. The last two factors were studied using real aqueous matrices such as wastewater and seawater. According to the obtained results, the highest uptake was observed in indomethacin (9.3 mg/g) and diclofenac (7.3 mg/g), owing to their physiochemical properties. Aged particles showed enhanced adsorption ability in accordance with the existing literature, as their adsorption capacity was between 0.5–1.5 times greater than that of the virgin ones. Regarding the desorption of compounds from the virgin and aged PP MPs at three different pH values, diclofenac and indomethacin exhibited the highest desorption capacity, while alkaline conditions favored the desorption ability of PP MPs for most of the target compounds.

Phytoremediation is one of the most widely used techniques for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from soil. This investigation explored the effect of soil co-contamination on Cd accumulation levels in hemp. To this end, a series of experiments were carried out on Cd-contaminated Mediterranean soils, which were subsequently contaminated with different levels of additional metals (Zn, Cu and their combination). The amount of Cd accumulated in hemp plants grown in the mono- and multi-contaminated soils was determined in each case, along with the Cd distribution in the different plant parts. The results showed that Cd accumulated mainly in the roots of hemp plants, regardless of the presence or absence of Cu and Zn. Co-contamination with Zn at moderate levels resulted in antagonistic effects on Cd uptake, whereas higher Zn concentrations increased hemp’s Cd accumulation capacity. On the other hand, Cu presence resulted in a synergistic increase in Cd uptake, notably at higher levels of contamination. Both Cu and Zn presence did not significantly alter Cd accumulation patterns, suggesting that hemp remains a sustainable candidate for phytoremediation in multi-metal contaminated soils. These findings provide valuable insights regarding the potential of hemp for soil remediation, highlighting its suitability for Cd-contaminated soils, even in complex contaminated environments. In light of the ongoing accumulation of heavy metals in soil environments, the implementation of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable remediation strategies is becoming increasingly necessary and can be regarded as essential.