Application of photo degradation for remediation of cyclic nitramine and nitroaromatic explosives

Abstract

The advantages of photo degradation for remediation of potentially hazardous and widely used explosives deposited in ground and surface water reserves has received continuous attention from researchers over the past 20 years, particularly due to energy efficiency, rapidness and the environmental safety associated with photo degradation processes. Hence, this review has introduced an up-to-date collation of knowledge regarding the radiation sources for effective photo degradation of cyclic nitramine and nitroaromatic explosives, irradiation time, photocatalysts as well as important physical–chemical parameters such as pH and substrate concentrations. Most importantly, this review has highlighted the fact that recent advances in continuous-flow photo chemistry, micro photo-reactor technology, energy efficient light sources at low wavelengths as well as advances in synthesizing photosensitive nanostructures have opened up new possibilities in regards to the application of advanced oxidation technology using photon energy for rapid, safe and energy efficient remediation of hazardous organic contaminants in the environment.