Photocatalytic degradation aspects of atrazine in water: Enhancement strategies and mechanistic insights

Atrazine is the most commonly and extensively used organo-chlorine-based herbicide in agriculture. Recently, crucial risks to the ecosystem and devastating health impacts have been observed due to the mobile nature of atrazine residue, stable s-triazine structure, leaching in groundwater, etc. Photocatalytic degradation of atrazine has emerged as a promising advanced technology owing to its prospect in solar energy utilisation and a cost-effective approach driven by the action of reactive oxidative species (•OH, H2O2, and O2 •‾). The main aim of this article is to review the potential of photocatalytic systems and assess various strategies for achieving high atrazine degradation efficiency. Herein, rational designing of photocatalyst via heterojunction formation, dopant incorporation, and co-catalyst loading for extended solar spectrum absorption and reduced charge carrier recombination are elaborated. A comprehensive insight into atrazine photodegradation reaction pathways and fate of intermediates formed is provided. A summarized overview of the synergistic effect of Fenton, PS/PMS activation, and ozonation, together with photocatalysis process sheds light on the advancing research. A thorough investigation of reaction parameters influencing the rate and extent of atrazine degradation is also critically discussed. In conclusion, the review suggests the existing challenges and future perspectives for atrazine photocatalytic degradation.