Table 4.

Advantages and disadvantages of removal methods for antiviral drugs.

Methods	Advantages	Disadvantages	References
Adsorption	Easy design Low operation cost Low energy requirement	Expensive adsorbents	[114], [116]
Photolysis (UV-based)	Rapid reaction rate Cost-effective Easy operation	Transformation products can be more permanent than original	[50], [77], [122]
Ozonation	Generation of more biodegradable products	Generation of more harmful by-products	[75], [87]
Photocatalysis	Cost-effective Easy operation	Rare applicability in the real system	[122]
The electrochemical advanced oxidation process	Highly effective	Expensive electrodes High energy consumption	[122]
Activated sludge process	Cheaper investment cost Easy operation	Generation of transformation products that can be harmful	[123], [124], [125], [126]
Membrane bioreactor	High-quality permeate Less sludge production Lower environmental impact Small footprint No need chemical High performance	Biofouling Increase energy consumption rate	[122], [127], [128], [129]