Photosonochemical degradation of phenol in water

The combination of ultrasound (US) and photochemistry has been used to degr ade an aqueous solution of phenol. It was considerably more effective than ultrasound or ultraviolet (UV) light alone. Based on the results of total o rganic carbon (TOC) removal, it was shown that the synergistic action of ul trasound and ultraviolet tight existed. Identification of the first interme diates of the reaction (hydroquinone. catechol, benzoquinone and resorcin) indicates that OH radicals are involved in the photosonochemical degradatio n mechanisms. The effects of parameters such as pH. saturating gases, and F e2+ on the photosonochemical degradation have been studied. The experimenta l results have shown that lower pH and higher concentration of dissolved ox ygen favor the phenol degradation and that the presence of Fe2+ enhanced TO C removal of phenol solutions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.