Solar photocatalytic degradation of parabens using UiO-66-NH2

•Photocatalytic breakdown of parabens using MOFs is reported for the first time.•High paraben conversion in natural waters, despite variable concentrations of other organics and inorganics.•Stable photocatalytic performance with negligible photocatalyst detrition when using a continuous flow system.•The oxidation mechanism is mainly dependent on photogenerated holes and superoxide radicals.