EFFECTS OF H₂O₂, TURBIDITY AND METALS ON SONOCHEMICAL DECOMPOSITION OF HUMIC SUBSTANCES IN WASTEWATER EFFLUENT

The sonochemical process has been applied as a treatment method to investigate its effect on the decomposition of humic substances (HS). The reaction kinetics and mechanisms in the process of sonochemical treatment for humic substances in wastewater have also been discussed. It was observed that the metal ions such Fe(II) and Mn(II) showed catalytic effects, while Al(III), Ca(II), and Mg(II) had inhibitory effects on the decomposition of humic substances in sonochemical reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Experimental results also showed factors such as hydrogen peroxide dose affected the formation of disinfection by-products. Two trihalomethanes, chloroform and dichlorobromomethane were formed as major disinfection by-products during chlorination. The depolymerization and the radical reaction of HS radicals appear to occur simultaneously. The final step of the reaction is the conversion of organic acids to carbon dioxide.