Photocatalytic degradation of triazine-based pesticides

The application of pesticides in agriculture accomplishes the food demand of the world, thereby assuring food security. However, widespread utilization of excessive synthetic pesticides not only contaminates the soil but also air and water ecosystems. Several treatment methods have been proposed to abate pesticide pollution. Specifically, herein the role of photocatalysis in the degradation of triazine pesticides in water under has been focused. Initially, fundamental information of pesticides and their removal methods from polluted waters have been outlined. Then, reports on the photocatalytic removal of some triazine-based pesticides from water were elaborately discussed. The controlling factors (such as photocatalyst dosage, synthesis method of photocatalyst, pH of the reaction medium, concentration of pesticide, nature of light source, etc.) on photocatalytic degradation of triazine pesticides were explained. The mechanism of triazine pesticide degradation at photocatalysts has also been included. Finally, the conclusion and existing challenges, extracted from this literature study, have been highlighted.