Photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of resorcinol a potent endocrine disrupting chemical in aqueous medium was investigated by ZnO under sunlight irradiation in a batch photoreactor. The influence of various parameters such as photocatalyst amount, initial concentration of resorcinol and pH was examined for maximum PCD of resorcinol. A considerable influence of pH upon the chemical oxygen demand (COD) disappearance was observed. In general, neutral or basic pH is favorable for COD removal of resorcinol. PCD intermediates were identified using FTIR and GC/MS. Two of the initial oxidation intermediates detected were 1,2,4-trihydroxy-benzene and 1,2,3-trihydroxy-benzene. FTIR studies revealed 1,2,4-trihydroxy-benzene as the major PCD intermediate. A working photodegradation mechanism is also suggested for PCD of resorcinol. This work envisages the great potential that sunlight mediated photocatalysis has in the removal of resorcinol from waste water. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.