20. Ultraviolet photo-oxidation

Ultraviolet photo-oxidation is based on the use of ultraviolet radiation combined with an oxidant or photocatalyst to destroy pollutants by oxidation (figure 20 ). It is used to treat organic pollutants dissolved in groundwater and can lead to their mineralization (transformation into water, carbon dioxide and salts). Ultraviolet photo-oxidation is used to treat groundwater contaminated by dissolved organic pollutants.

• Principle

  Ultraviolet photo-oxidation consists in oxidizing organic pollutants dissolved in the water to be treated by forming a species with very high oxidizing power, the hydroxyl radical OH.

  This radical is capable of oxidizing most organic species, potentially leading to...