A system and method are provided which removes bromine biocide used in effluent process streams without the use of chemicals or complex mechanical systems. In particular, the system and method of the present invention remove bromine biocide by photodissociating the bromine, thereby forming innocuous salts. Ultraviolet energy may be used to provide the energy for photodissociation, in particular ultraviolet energy supplied by medium pressure Hg vapor lamps.