The photochemical transformation of a molecule into lower molecular weight fragments, usually in an oxidation process. This term is widely used in the destruction (oxidation) of pollutants by
UV-based processes.
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2260 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)