Photodegradation

Photodegradation is the chemical transformation of a compound into smaller compounds caused by the absorption of ultraviolet, visible, or infrared radiation (light). In many cases photodegradation is an oxidation process. Many compounds, when exposed to sunlight, degrade to smaller compounds. Some drinking-water and wastewater treatment facilities use ultraviolet light to destroy pollutants (through oxidation).

References

• International Union of Pure And Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), 1996, Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996): Pure and Applied Chemistry, v. 68, no.12, p. 2223-2286.

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