Ultrasound Assisted Oxidation Process for the Removal of Aromatic Contamination from Effluents: A Review

Chemicals are the building blocks for products that meet our most fundamental needs for food, shelter, and health. The chemical industries discharge contaminated waste water that requires appropriate treatment before safe discharge in the environment. Effluent is toxic in nature, due to Presence of aromatic compounds (like benzene, toluene, and xylene). The aim of this study is to check the feasibility of ultrasound technique that has a broad range of industrial applications and its potential for water and waste water treatment. The efficiency of the usual cleaning process to heat carbonaceous compounds (biological or physical / chemical treatment) is limited. In such circumstances, ultrasound seems to be a promising technology for waste water treatment. The heat from the cavity implosion decomposes water in to extremely reactive hydrogen atoms (H•) and hydroxyl radicals (OH•). Thus in such a molecular environment organic compounds and inorganic compounds are oxidized or reduced depending on their reactivity. This method is highlighted while some of the future challenges like decreasing the cost of operation are considered. Feasibility of ultrasound technique is being evaluated.