Abstract:Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer widely used in various industries such as plastics, food packaging, toys, and construction materials. However, DBP is also a non-biodegradable endocrine disruptor that accumulates in the environment. DBP in water bodies can enter food through the food chain or packaging, and long-term intake of food containing excessive levels of DBP can lead to health problems such as infertility or cancer. This paper summarizes the toxicity and hazards of DBP, the current development of DBP-detection technologies at home and abroad, DBP contamination in water and food, and the research progress of DBP degradation by various advanced oxidation processes. The mechanisms, degradation pathways, and kinetics of DBP degradation by ozone oxidation, photochemical oxidation, sonochemical oxidation and persulfate oxidation are discussed, and the toxicity of intermediate products is highlighted. The degradation mechanism involves the attack of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), generated under various conditions, on the molecular structure of DBP, which is eventually mineralized into water and carbon dioxide. The degradation kinetics may change slightly depending on the specific conditions, but they are all stable and in line with pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. The toxicities of the intermediate products generated in the process of mineralizing DBP molecules are significantly lower than that of DBP, but a small number of intermediate products are still toxic to aquatic fishes and some algae. Based on these findings and case studies, suggestions for follow-up research are proposed, namely, obtaining an in-depth understanding of the application of advanced oxidation processes in food, drinking water, and other areas, as well as exploring the degradation mechanisms in food and the issue of associated intermediate products.