Phenol photodegradation was studied by means of commercially available
semiconductor catalysts, such as TiO2, ZnO, and MgO. The testing of c
atalytic efficiency was based on phenol removal and decrease in chemic
al oxygen demand. Best results were obtained with ZnO as a photocataly
st and sun light as irradiation source. Other light sources used were
low-pressure and high-pressure mercury lamps. The obtained results wer
e verified with the H2O2/UV system. Practical utilization of ZnO and s
un irradiation was tested on the treatment of Danube river water.