Aqueous pesticide degradation by hydrogen peroxide/ultraviolet irradiation and Fenton-type advanced oxidation processes: a review

Pesticide pollution of surface water and groundwater has been recognized as a major problem in many countries because of the persistence of pollutants in aquatic environments and the consequent potential adverse health effects. Various hydrogen peroxide-based advanced oxidation processes, such as hydrogen peroxide/ultraviolet irradiation, Fenton, photo-Fenton, and electro-Fenton processes are likely key technologies for degrading and detoxifying these pollutants in water and wastewater. In this paper, the hydrogen peroxide-based advanced oxidation treatment of eight major groups of pesticides, namely aniline-based compounds, carbamates, chlorophenoxy compounds, organochlorines, organophosphates, pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives, triazines, and substituted ureas, as well as that of several miscellaneous pesticides, is reviewed. The degree of pesticide degradation, reaction kinetics, identity and characteristics of degradation by-products and intermediates, and possible degradation pathways are covered and discussed.