The impact of particulates on the aqueous sonication of bromobenzene

Sonodegradation of bromobenzene, bromophenolate ion, and 2,4,5-trichlorobiphenyl was studied in the presence of various types of solid particles suspended in water. Three particle diameters (10 nm, 15 μm, and 35 μm) and two particle types (silica particles and organic resin) were investigated over a range of particle concentrations (0.05–10 gl−1). The sonochemical decomposition rate constant for bromobenzene (k=0.044±7.50×10−4 min−1 at 20 kHz) was not significantly impacted by very fine silica particles (10 nm). The presence of 15 μm silica decreased sonication rates slightly (<7%) even at a concentration of 10 gl−1. Organic resin particles demonstrated a more significant impact, particularly at higher concentration and with very hydrophobic compounds. These findings are significant for the application of ultrasound to treatment streams containing solid particles.