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.