Influence of parameters on the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of pesticides and phenolic contaminants in wastewater: A short review

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 92; no. 3; pp. 311 - 330
• Main Authors: Ahmed, Saber, Rasul, M.G., Brown, R., Hashib, M.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2011; Elsevier; Academic Press Ltd
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Catalysis; Chemical reactions; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Environmental protection; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Herbicide; Pesticide; Pesticides; Pesticides - chemistry; Phenol; Phenols - chemistry; Photocatalysis; Photolysis; Pollution; Titanium; Wastewaters; Water Pollutants, Chemical - chemistry; Water purification; Water treatment; Water treatment and pollution; Phenol; Pesticide; Water purification; Photocatalysis; Herbicide; Water treatment; Pesticides; Review; Environmental management; Waste water; Degradation; Phenols; Contaminant
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.08.028

In recent years, the application of heterogeneous photocatalytic water purification processes has gained wide attention due to its effectiveness in degrading and mineralizing the recalcitrant organic compounds as well as the possibility of utilizing the solar UV and visible-light spectrum. This paper aims to review and summarize the recent works on the titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic oxidation of pesticides and phenolic compounds, predominant in storm and wastewater effluents. The effects of various operating parameters on the photocatalytic degradation of pesticides and phenols are discussed. Results reported here suggest that the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds depends on the type and composition of the photocatalyst and, light intensity, initial substrate concentration, amount of catalyst, pH of the reaction medium, ionic components in water, solvent types, oxidizing agents/electron acceptors, catalyst application mode, and calcination temperature in the water environment. A substantial amount of research has focused on the enhancement of TiO2 photocatalysis by modification with metal, non-metal and ion doping. Recent developments in TiO2 photocatalysis for the degradation of various pesticides and phenols are also highlighted in this review. It is evident from the literature survey that photocatalysis has good potential to remove a variety of organic pollutants. However, there is still a need to determine the practical utility of this technique on a commercial scale.