Aqueous Pesticide Degradation by Ozonation and Ozone-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes: A Review (Part I)

Pesticide pollution of surface water and groundwater has been recognized as a major problem in many countries because of their persistence in aquatic environment and potential adverse health effects. Among various water and wastewater treatment options, ozonation and ozone-based advanced oxidation processes, such as ozone/hydrogen peroxide, ozone/ultraviolet irradiation, and ozone/hydrogen peroxide/ultraviolet irradiation, are likely key technologies for degrading and detoxifying these pollutants in water and wastewater. In this paper, ozone-based treatment of four major groups of pesticides, namely carbamates, chlorophenoxy compounds, organochlorines, and organophosphates, are reviewed. Degree of pesticide degradation, reaction kinetics, identity and characteristics of degradation by-products and intermediates, and possible degradation pathways are covered and discussed.