A Review on the Destruction of Environmentally Hazardous Chlorinated Aromatic Compounds in the Presence (or without) of Nanophotocatalysts

Environmental pollution and contamination is a result of direct or indirect effects of human activities and industrialization. Nowadays, the use of synthetic compounds such as aromatic amines, herbicides, pesticides, dyes and etc., in different industries is necessary and the undesirable discharge of persistent waste xenobiotic materials is unavoidable. Chlorinated aromatic compounds (CACs) require special attention due to their distinct toxicity, high stability, and persistence in the environment. CACs are ubiquitous including water, soil, and air. Their presence in the environment creates serious concerns due to chronic hazards to the health and safety of humans and wildlife. It is necessary to find efficient processes for the destruction of organic pollutants, into low harmful materials or to inorganic materials. Thus, academic and industrial researchers focus on the effective methods of CACs removal that have different advantages and disadvantages. This review represents an overwiew on current techniques for removing organic chlorinated aromatic compounds in the presence (or without) of nanophotocatalysts. Physical and chemical methods of removing CAC including thermal, oxidative, reductive and microbial processes are studied in detail. Keywords: Nanophotocatalysts, chlorinated aromatic compounds, destruction, industrial, environment, organic pollutants.