From enemy to ally: Dissolved organic matter synergizes contaminants removal under light-driven processes

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Water Treatment

Background:

• Dissolved organic matter (DOM) traditionally impedes organic micropollutant (OMP) removal through light competition, quenching, and fouling.
• Emerging research indicates DOM can actively promote OMP degradation under light-driven conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive framework for understanding DOM's dual role in OMP removal.
• To summarize DOM's optical properties, photochemically produced reactive intermediates (PPRIs), and influencing factors.
• To explore DOM's synergistic mechanisms in enhancing OMP degradation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on DOM's optical properties and photochemical activity.
• Summarization of methods for investigating PPRIs in OMP degradation.
• Analysis of DOM's contribution to contaminant removal in light-driven systems.

Main Results:

• DOM can promote OMP removal via redox and energy transfer from PPRIs.
• DOM enhances oxidant photosensitization and pollutant adsorption, boosting photo-reactivity.
• DOM's role is modulated by optical properties, PPRIs, and environmental conditions.

Conclusions:

• DOM can be leveraged as a beneficial component in photochemical water treatment.
• Identifying research needs for optimizing DOM utilization in OMP removal.
• Bridging photochemistry and engineering for low-energy, high-efficiency water treatment.