Sonolytic degradation of hazardous organic compounds in aqueous solution.

Benzene, chlorobenzene, 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, biphenyl, and polychlorinated biphenyls such as 2-, 4-chlorobiphenyl and 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl in aqueous solutions have been subjected to sonolysis with 200 kHz ultrasound at an intensity of 6 W cm-2 under an argon atmosphere. 80-90% of initial amount of these compounds were degraded by 30-60 min of sonication when the initial concentrations were 10-100 mumol l-1. The degradation rate of these compounds increased with increase in their vapor pressures. In all cases of sonolysis of chlorinated organic compounds, an appreciable amount of liberated chloride ion was observed.