Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Ultrasonic dehalogenation and toxicity reduction of trichlorophenol.

Tiehm A, Neis U

Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Water Technology Center, Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany. tiehm@tzw.de

The study focussed on the effect of ultrasonic frequency and co-pollutants on dechlorination and toxicity reduction of a toxic model pollutant, i.e. 2,3,5-trichlorophenol (TCP). The effect of ultrasonic frequency on TCP degradation and chloride formation was studied at 41, 206, 360, 618, 1068, and 3217 kHz. Most efficient ultrasonic dechlorination was achieved at 360 kHz. The degradation of TCP and adsorbable organic halogens followed pseudo-first-order rate kinetics. Toxicity in the bioluminescence test increased during the initial sonication period, indicating the temporary formation of more toxic reaction products. Subsequently, toxicity was significantly reduced. Dehalogenation efficiency decreased in the presence of the hydrophobic radical scavenger t-butanol, whereas hydrophilic co-pollutants such as acetate or glucose did not interfere with ultrasonic dechlorination and toxicity reduction. After ultrasonic pre-treatment, a fast biodegradation of the remaining organic pollutants was observed. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the potential of integrated ultrasonic/biological approaches for the treatment of wastewaters containing toxic pollutants.

Published 11 October 2004 in Ultrason Sonochem, 12(1): 121-5.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Ultrasound Research Today. All Rights Reserved.