Integração de tecnologias para a descoloração de efluentes têxteis por fotocatálise: uma análise teórica

Abstract

The textile industry stands out as one of the main consumers of water and generators of industrial effluents, characterized by the presence of synthetic dyes, heavy metals, and persistent organic compounds. The improper disposal of these effluents can result in significant environmental impacts, requiring the development of more effective and sustainable treatment technologies. The main effluent treatment methods were addressed, including conventional primary, secondary, tertiary processes and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), as well as the current environmental legislation. The reviewed literature indicates that heterogeneous photocatalysis demonstrates high efficiency in the degradation of organic pollutants, promoting the mineralization of toxic compounds into by-products with lower environmental impact. However, challenges such as dependence on ultraviolet radiation, the need for catalyst recovery, and energy costs still limit its large-scale implementation. Strategies such as TiO¢ doping, the integration of photocatalysis with biological and physicochemical processes, and the optimization of operational parameters have been investigated to enhance the efficiency and industrial feasibility of this technology. Heterogeneous photocatalysis, when applied in combination with other treatment technologies, represents a significant advancement in mitigating environmental impacts.