Evaluation of ammonia–nitrogen removal efficiency from aqueous solutions by ultrasonic irradiation in short sonication periods

• Ammonia-nitrogen removal efficiency from aquatic solutions was investigated.
• Effects of initial conditions on ammonia-nitrogen removal efficiency were evaluted.
• Ultrasound experiments were carried out at short sonication periods.
• Ammonia-nitrogen removal efficiency in the short periods was ranged between 8% and 64%.
• Specific cost of ultrasound was varied between 0.01 and 0.25 $/g ammonia-nitrogen.

In this study, mechanisms and efficiency of ammonia–nitrogen removal from aqueous solutions by ultrasonic irradiation were investigated. Depending on the factors affecting the sonication (initial concentration, initial pH, ultrasonic power density and sonication period), sonication tests were carried out and ammonium–nitrogen removal efficiency by ultrasonic irradiation was determined. In these experiments, ammonia–nitrogen removal efficiency was achieved in the range of 8–64%. In short sonication periods, the best ammonia–nitrogen removal efficiency was achieved at pH 8.2–11. Lower ammonia–nitrogen removal efficiency was observed in high initial ammonia–nitrogen concentration of solutions. It was observed that high initial ammonia–nitrogen concentrations may led to decreased ammonia–nitrogen removal efficiency however quantity of ammonia–nitrogen removal was higher. Because high initial concentration had a negative impact on the sonochemical reactions the heat of cavitation bubbles was reduced. Ammonia–nitrogen removal efficiency was increased with ultrasonic density and sonication period. This study showed that effective ammonia–nitrogen removal could be achieved by the ultrasonic irradiation in short sonication periods (as 60–600 s). Specific cost of ammonia–nitrogen removal by the ultrasonic irradiation from simulated ground water, surface water, wastewater and landfill leachate was also calculated. The specific removal cost was varied between 0.01 and 0.25 $/g ammonia–nitrogen.