PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF PHENOL BY A QUEOUS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPERSIONS

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.