Photocatalysis and biodegradation of pharmaceuticals in wastewater: effect of abiotic and biotic factors

摘要: Pharmaceuticals (PhACs) are a class of emerging contaminants global concern due to their ubiquitous nature, persistence and capability affecting humans aquatic lives negatively even at very low concentrations. Conventional wastewater treatment procedures generally inadequate for removing these contaminants. Photocatalysis, an advance oxidation process (AOP), has been widely used in eliminating PhACs from wastewater. This is its operational cost compared other AOPs. However, the problem complete mineralization by photocatalysis remains challenge. In this review, we discussed photocatalysis, biodegradation mechanisms action degradation wastewaters. The application combined photocatalytic systems was also presented. It worthy note that several operating parameters such as biotic abiotic factors pivotal efficient systems. Therefore, integrated photocatalysis/biodegradation system essential achieving PhACs; advantages technique include energy cost, effective process, generation non-toxic by-product self-sustenance generation.