Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the purification of contaminated fluids by photocatalytic treatment. In accordance with the invention, an oxidation state where contaminant molecules are oxidized and/or a reduction state where contaminant molecules are reduced are employed to purify a contaminated fluid. The reduction state, where certain contaminant molecules are reduced, is induced by providing a reactant, such as citric acid, in the presence of an excited photocatalyst. A reduction state may alternate to an oxidation state, where contaminant molecules are oxidized, by the addition of an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying a contaminated fluid in a continuous manner is herein disclosed. The present invention provides for the irradiation of a slurry between a defined surface(s) such that substantially all of the contaminants are removed from the slurry, and a turbulent flow of the slurry is achieved. The present invention further provides for the separation of decontaminated effluent from the slurry by employing ceramic membrane filters. Air is applied to the ceramic membrane filters at relatively high pressures in order to remove any photoreactive catalyst particles that have collected in the ceramic membranes.