| Summary: | The accumulation of plastics and microplastics in the environment is a major global concern because of their negative impact on ecosystems and human health. The use of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based systems for photocatalytic degradation of these pollutants has shown promise. This review presents an overview of the solid- and aqueous-phase approaches employed for the degradation of plastics and microplastics using ZnO-based photocatalytic systems. The preparation of microplastic samples is discussed, highlighting various techniques used to generate representative samples for testing. The experimental setup or reactor design is explored, encompassing different configurations employed in both the solid- and aqueous-phases. Next, the impact of reaction conditions on degradation efficiency is investigated, including catalyst concentration, pH, temperature, and irradiation source. Sampling techniques for post-reaction analysis are explored, discussing methods for collecting and analyzing degraded products and byproducts in solid- and aqueous-phases. The comparative discussion was meant to assess the effectiveness and suitability of solid- and aqueous-phase methods, revealing their potential for practical use. This review paper presents an extensive analysis of the methods used in ZnO-based photocatalytic systems for plastic and microplastics degradation which the output will aid researchers and practitioners in developing effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. © 2023 Institution of Chemical Engineers
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