Utilizing reactive oxygen species(ROS),a class of oxygen free radicals or non-radical derivatives of oxygen with oxidizing ability to degrade environmental pollutants is one of the greenest and most effective chemical means for pollution control and environmental remediation. However,the formation and reaction mechanism of ROS in the degradation and transformation of environmental pollutants need to be further studied. This article reviews recent research progress on ROS(hydroxyl radical,superoxide anion,singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide) for environmental pollutants removal in recent years and introduces the chemical properties,generating pathways and detection methods of these common ROS. We also summarize the applications and profound reaction mechanism of ROS in air purification,organic wastewater treatment,bacterial inactivation and simultaneously prospected the development of the production technology,quantitative detection,and synergistic degradation effects of ROS in the degradation and transformation of environmental pollutants.