Detoxification of aqueous solutions of the pesticide “Sevnol” by solar photocatalysis

The solar photodegradation of Sevnol, a commercial pesticide, based on carbaryl as active principle, was studied. Experiments have been carried out at laboratory and at pilot plant scale using titanium dioxide as catalyst. Complete dissappearance of carbaryl was achieved, while total mineralisation required longer irradiation. Active sludge respirometry showed significant detoxification of the solution. Finally, results obtained with commercial Sevnol were consistent with those of pure carbaryl, although the reaction was slower.