Retno Wulandari, Dion Awfa, Rifka Noor Azizah, Lita Darmayanti, Novi Fitria, Muammar Qadafi, Mohamad Firman Solihat, Fahd Maximillian Amin, Abiyyu Kaysan Admawidya, Merri Jayanti, Shyfa Fauziah, Rizki Febrian
Plasticizers enhance polymer flexibility and durability, yet many leach into aquatic environments as persistent contaminants. Phthalate esters (PAEs), the most widely used plasticizers, are of particular concern due to weak polymer binding, high mobility, and documented ecological and human health risks. Conventional analytical techniques such as GC–MS and HPLC provide high accuracy but rely on expensive instrumentation and laboratory-based analysis, limiting rapid and on-site monitoring. In response, electrochemical approaches have emerged as promising alternatives for both the detection and removal of PAEs, especially when coupled with sustainable and environmentally benign materials. This review summarizes recent advances in the electrochemical sensing and treatment of PAEs, highlighting green electrode materials, eco-friendly functionalization strategies, sensing mechanisms, and analytical performance. Key challenges, including matrix effects, environmental interferences, and gaps between laboratory studies and real-sample applications, are critically discussed. Sustainable electrochemical removal strategies—such as advanced oxidation, reductive degradation, and hybrid material-based processes—are also evaluated. Overall, integrating greener materials, molecular imprinting, and data-driven signal enhancement supports the development of robust, field-deployable, and environmentally responsible PAE monitoring and mitigation technologies. © 2026 by the authors.
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya, Jl. Harsono RM No. 67, Jakarta, 12140, Indonesia; Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Infrastructure and Regional Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Jl. Terusan Ryacudu, Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Environmental Engineering, Universitas Riau, Kampus Bina Widya Simpang Baru, Pekanbaru, 28293, Indonesia; Research Center for Environmental and Clean Technologies, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Politeknik Kesehatan Bandung, Jl. Pajajaran No.56, Bandung, 405011, Indonesia; SMA Negeri 2 Surabaya, Jalan Wijaya Kusuma, Surabaya, 60272, Indonesia; Research Center for Nanotechnology System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Tangerang Selatan, 15314, Indonesia