Sonolytic destruction of methyl tert-butyl ether by ultrasonic irradiation: The role of O-3, H2O2, frequency, and power density

The kinetics of degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of ozone as functions of applied frequencies a nd applied power are investigated. Experiments are performed over the frequ ency range of 205-1078 kHz. The higher overall reaction rates are observed at 358 and 618 kHz and then at 205 and 1078 kHz. The observed pseudo-first- order rate constant, k(O), for MTBE degradation increases with increasing p ower density up to 250 W L-1. A linear dependence of the first-order rate c onstant, k(O3), for the simultaneous degradation of O-3 on power density is also observed. Naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) is shown to have a negligible effect on observed reaction rates.