Isoproturon, simazine and propazine are some of the most common herbicide residues found in UK ground water and surface water. A kinetic study of the PCO of multicomponent systems of these herbicides [1] yielded kinetic parameters that are independent of photon flux. The oxidation of these herbicides in a fountain photoreactor irradiated by solar radiation [2] was modeled using these parameters and the performance of a treatment plant made by a network of fountains was estimated.

References: [1] Toepfer, B., Gora, A., Li Puma, G., Photocatalytic oxidation of multicomponent solutions of herbicides: reaction kinetics analysis with explicit photon absorption effects, Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 68 (2006) 171. [2] Li Puma, G., Yue, P.L., A novel fountain photocatalytic reactor for water treatment and purification: modeling & design, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 40 (2001) 5162.

Acknowledgement: The author is grateful to NATO (Grant CBP.EAP.SFPP 982835) for financial support.