Destruction of water contaminants

Published information is reviewed on recent developments in the use of photocatalysis for water treatment. Topics dealt with include the general use of photocatalysis for complete destruction of contaminants; its use to destroy specific contaminants such as chlorinated aromatic compounds, surfactants, weedkillers and pesticides; comparison of solar and artificial illumination; effect of added oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide; types of catalyst (suspended and immobilized); and other possible applications of photocatalysis such as recovery of metals and determination of total organic carbon. There are 75 references.