A comprehensive review on photocatalytic degradation of organophosphorus pesticide using ZnO coupled photocatalysts

The excessive use of pesticides in agriculture to protect crops poses significant threats not only to ecosystems but also to human well-being. Despite the efforts of various agencies to monitor pesticide residues in water, soil, and air, research indicates that traces of these residues are still found in human blood and urine. Researchers have explored several methods to remove these organic pollutants. In response to this critical issue, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) utilizing semiconductor photocatalysis have emerged as a promising approach for degrading pollutants into simpler compounds. Photocatalysts such as TiO2 and ZnO play a vital role in this process. Zinc oxide (ZnO), known for its exceptional photocatalytic properties, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, has gained considerable attention. This comprehensive review focuses on the elimination of organophosphorus pesticides, which are widely used in agriculture, from the environment using semiconductor photocatalysis. It provides an overview of water pollution caused by organophosphorus pesticides, their occurrence, classifications, and an introduction to photocatalysis. The review primarily emphasizes the degradation of organophosphorus pesticides using ZnO based composites, detailing their preparation and characterization methods. Additionally, it explores the impact of operational parameters such as pH, temperature, and pesticide concentration on the degradation process.