Removal of chlorinated pollutants by a combination of ultrasound and biodegradation

Chlorinated organic compounds are hazardous pollutants found in waste water , surface water, and ground water. Our study shows that a combination of ul trasonic pretreatment and biodegradation effectively removes the solvent ch lorobenzene and the disinfectant 2,4-dicblorophenol, also reduces Adsorbabl e Organic Halogens (AOX) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). In our experimen ts, the ultrasonic dechlorination was not influenced by the presence of oth er soluble organic compounds like acetate or glucose. Dechlorination of chl orobenzene by ultrasound did not lead to toxic or inhibiting reaction produ cts. More than that, the ultrasonic pretreatment significantly reduced the toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenol and biological activity was initiated after sonication. Residual organic pollutants after ultrasonic pretreatment were eliminated by biodegradation.