Photocatalytic Degradation of Pesticides and Neonicotinoids

Pesticides and neonicotinoids are the most common agricultural organic pollutants in the world. They are long-lasting chemicals that are problematic since they are present in so many different ecosystems. Some pesticides are categorized into various classes depending on their needs. Presently, we are discussing the three most popular classifications based on the target organism, biodegradability, and chemical composition. As the method of activity for pesticides is not species-specific, environmental threat is raised with their exposure through different ways. Pesticides can enter the human body by oral, inhalation, or dermal exposure, and are the main cause of various diseases like respiratory disorders, cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, etc. To aim at the problem of abuse and excessive pesticide residues in the environment, various physical, chemical, and biological methods are widely developed but are insufficient to solve this problem. In recent years, advanced oxidation processes have also used for removing pesticides which include photolysis, photolysis combined with other oxidants (photo-Fenton process). Additionally, semiconductor materials have a tendency to generate electron–hole charge carriers which further contribute towards oxidation and reduction of pesticide. Simultaneously, the wide range of wavelengths at which the supported nano-catalysts and nano-adsorbents display reduced bandgap energy confirms their potential in the purification of pesticides and neonicotinoids from wastewater. In this chapter, we have discussed several methods for the treatment of pesticides and neonicotinoids from water. The class of nanocomposites studied in this work can be described as appropriate nanomaterials with potential and special qualities helpful in heterogeneous photocatalysts for the removal of pesticides and neonicotinoids.