Recent Advances in Radical Photochemistry and Its Application for Pollution Control

Dear Colleagues,

Protecting the environment, water sources, and the health of both human and animal populations is an important aspect when transitioning to a more sustainable society.  Advances in analytical methods for the detection of persistent, mobile, and toxic compounds (PMTs), such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides, etc., are showing an alarming picture as PMTs are increasingly detected in water sources. These compounds present a risk to aquatic life and the food chain, and when present in drinking water, also present a direct risk to human health. Due to their nature, many are not biodegradable and, therefore, cannot be removed by conventional processes in wastewater treatment plants. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to develop realistic treatment methods for the removal of PMT substances.

Among the various emerging treatment options, radical photocatalysis is an interesting and real possibility for advanced water treatment. The process itself is based on the formation of non-selective and highly reactive radical species from compounds such as persulfates, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, chlorine, and bromine which react with and degrade organic pollutants.

This Special Issue focuses on novel, radical formation methods and materials and the assessment of their applications in drinking water and wastewater treatments. By increasing our understanding of the processes, degradation kinetics, transformation pathways, and potential toxicity of by-products in different water matrices, we are taking the next step towards a more sustainable use of water sources.

In this Special Issue, original research papers and critical reviews that describe advancements in this field and closely related areas are welcome.. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• New catalyst materials;
• Evaluation of different methods and materials, especially reaction kinetics, economic viability, and using real water matrices;
• Mechanisms for oxidation of organic compounds;
• Identification of potential by-products.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lev Matoh
Dr. Andraž Šuligoj
Guest Editors

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• pollution control
• water treatment
• radical photocatalysis
• water security
• emerging contaminants