PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF BENZIMIDAZO LE AND PYRIDINE IN AQUEOUS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPERSIONS OF ZNO

Benzimidazole and pyridine photodegradation in water was studied in th e presence of semiconductor catalysts, such as ZnO, using low-pressure and medium-pressure Hg lamps and sun light for irradiation. Testing o f the catalytic efficiency was based on benzimidazole and pyridine rem oval and decrease in chemical oxygen demand. For benzimidazole, the be st results were achieved with ZnO and sun light, for pyridine, with Zn O and low-pressure Hg lamp. Application of methylene blue as a photose nsitizer led to a low efficiency in the degradation. Generally, pyridi ne was less degradable than benzimidazole.