Photocatalytic treatment of natural waters. Reality or hype? The case of cyanotoxins remediation

This review compiles recent advances and challenges in the photocatalytic treatment of natural water by analyzing the remediation of cyanotoxins. The review frames the treatment need based on the occurrence, geographical distribution, and legislation of cyanotoxins in drinking water while highlighting the underestimated global risk of cyanotoxins. Next, the fundamental principles of photocatalytic treatment for remediating cyanotoxins and the complex degradation pathway for the most widespread cyanotoxins are presented. The state-of-the-art and recent advances on photocatalytic treatment processes are critically discussed, especially the modification strategies involving TiO2 and the primary operational conditions that determine the scalability and integration of photocatalytic reactors. The relevance of light sources and light delivery strategies are shown, with emphasis on novel biomimicry materials design. Thereafter, the seldomly-addressed role of water-matrix components is thoroughly and critically explored by including natural organic matter and inorganic species to provide future directions in designing highly efficient strategies and scalable reactors. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This review compiles recent advances and challenges in the photocatalytic treatment of natural water, focusing on the remediation of cyanotoxins. It discusses fundamental principles, complex degradation pathways, state-of-the-art processes, modification strategies, and operational conditions of photocatalytic treatment. The review also highlights the importance of light sources, biomimicry materials, and the role of water-matrix components in designing efficient strategies and scalable reactors.