Recent developments in photocatalytic degradation of insecticides and pesticides

Widespread use of pesticides in agricultural and domestic sectors and their long half-life have led to their accumulation in the environment beyond permissible limits. Advanced chemical oxidation methods including photocatalytic degradation are being widely investigated for their mineralization. Photocatalytic degradation is the most promising method for degrading pesticides as well as other organic pollutants. Titanium dioxide with or without modification has been widely used as the photocatalyst. Some research groups have also tried other photocatalysts. This review presents a critical summary of the research results reported during the past two decades as well as the scope for future research in this area.

Automated summary

The widespread use and long half-life of pesticides have led to their accumulation in the environment beyond acceptable levels. Photocatalytic degradation, particularly using titanium dioxide, is considered the most promising method for degrading pesticides and other organic pollutants. This review provides a critical summary of research findings in the past two decades and identifies future research opportunities in this field.