Large solar plant photocatalytic water decontamination: Degradation of pentachlorophenol

The photocatalytic degradation of pentachlorophenol in the large solar plant built at the Plataforma Solar de Almeria is presented. Degradation of cubic meters per hour of pentachlorophenol at a concentration of mg L⁻¹ is demonstrated and is easily achieved in short residence times. Details of the plant based on parabolic solar concentrators, together with the examination of the main factors affecting total efficiency are discussed in comparison with small scale laboratory experiments. Experiments carried out with addition of peroxydisulphate show a noticeable increment in the degradation efficiency and are suggested for the treatment of concentrated or refractory pollutants.