Formation of complex organochlorine species in water due to cavitation

Sonication at 900 kHz was carried out on aqueous solutions of chloroform in the concentration range 25 to 500 mg/L. The formation of chlorinated hydrocarbons was detected by means of GC/MS analyses. For instance, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated ethanes, and chlorinated ethenes were formed after 10 min of sonication. The greatest concentration of any product was 6 mg/L. Sonication of aqueous chloroform with phenol present produced chlorophenols, and with benzene present produced phenol, chlorobenzene and chlorophenols. These results are significant for the evaluation of sonication as a method of eliminating chlorinated organic compounds from water. They also have significance in supporting the notion that some complex organochlorines may be formed naturally in the environment. Some chloroform and methyl chloride are produced in nature and could react with other organic compounds to form more complex organochlorines through natural processes which have an action similar to cavitation, e.g. waterfalls and breaking waves.