A Critical Review of Photocatalytic Degradation of Organophosphorus Pesticide “Parathion” by Different Mixed Metal Oxides

Pesticides are utilized to control pests; however, they are persistent and included in the top 10 toxic pollutants list. Despite toxicity, organophosphorus pesticides are the most widely used pesticide nowadays. Photocatalysis is an efficient way to degrade highly persistent pesticides. Features such as small size, high porosity, high surface area, and crystalline nature make metal oxides and mixed metal oxides efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of organo-phosphorus pesticide. In the current review, degradation of organo-phosphorus pesticide parathion by mixed metal oxides such as iron oxide, cerium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, and copper oxides are discussed in light of updated research data. Total use, toxicity, degradation methods, and Photocatalysis using different metal oxides are thoroughly discussed. The review provides complete details on the photocatalysis mechanism, advancements in Photocatalysis, and advanced strategies to increase the photocatalyst's and metaloxide-based photocatalysis's efficiency.