Photocatalytic processes for the abatement of N-containing pollutants from waste water. Part 1: Inorganic pollutants

The development of effective methods for the abatement of some harmful pollutants from waste waters and from hydric resources is a challenging task. Nitrogen containing compounds, such as inorganic ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are harmful contaminants for drinking water, inducing acute and/or chronic diseases, especially affecting infants and children. Furthermore, when released in waste waters they contribute to eutrophication, or possibly contaminate ground water. This is particularly relevant in agriculturally intensive zones and in the case of some relevant industrial processes involving e.g., nitration reactions. In the present paper, we review existing or innovative processes, mainly based on photocatalytic steps for the abatement of inorganic N-containing compounds from waste waters and for drinking water treatment, focusing on selectivity towards innocuous N2.