Sunlight photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in aquatic systems

Photooxidation of many organic compounds (e.g., haloorganics, surfactants, pesticides, etc.) dissolved in aqueous systems over illuminated semiconductor materials (e.g., TiO2) leads in almost all cases to quantitative formation of carbon dioxide and, eventually, of inorganic acids (e.g., HCl from chlorinated compounds). The possible application in the treatment of both waste waters and drinking water is illustrated.