Coupling of photocatalytic and bioremediation processes for enhanced mitigation of xenobiotic pollutants from wastewater (Chapter 1)

Abstract

Xenobiotics are artificial synthetic chemical compounds that enter into the biological environment through anthropogenic activities and harm the natural biota. These chemicals include reactive azo dyes, pesticides, chlorinated organics, and antibiotics. Some of them get naturally degraded through natural biological processes (Bioremediation). However, most of them are persistent organic pollutants which accumulate and cause threat to the environment. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop novel, ecofriendly, and economical method for complete removal of xenobiotics from wastewaters. In recent years, advanced oxidation processes such as solar-light driven photocatalytic oxidation of xenobiotic compounds using smart, semiconductor-based nanocatalysts are widely being researched. Further, the development of photo catalytic circulating-bed biofilm reactor for the intimate coupling of photo catalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) has promisingly enhanced the controlled treatment of xenobiotics from wastewaters as compared to conventional methods. This chapter highlights various aspects of bioremediation, photocatalysis, and ICPB technology along with its recent developments and challenges to be addressed for effective treatment of xenobiotics.