Degradation of dichlorvos containing wastewaters using sonochemical reactors

The present work deals with application of sonochemical reactors for the degradation of dichlorvos containing wastewaters. The sonochemical reactor used in the work is a simple ultrasonic horn type operating at 20 kHz with a power rating of 270 W. The effect of different operating parameters such as operating pH, temperature and power density on the extent of degradation has been investigated initially followed by intensification studies using additives such as hydrogen peroxide, Fenton’s reagent and CCl4. It has been observed that low frequency sonochemical reactors can be effectively used for treatment of pesticide wastewaters and acidic conditions and optimum values of temperature and power dissipation favors the degradation of dichlorvos. The efficacy of sonochemical reactors can be further enhanced by using different additives at optimized loadings. Complete removal of the pesticide at the given loading has been obtained using an optimized combination of ultrasound and Fenton’s chemistry. The controlling mechanism for the sonochemical degradation has been confirmed to be the free radical attack based on the studies involving radical scavengers. The novelty of the present work is clearly established as there have been no earlier studies dealing with degradation of dichlorvos pesticide using sonochemical reactors operating at low frequency which offers distinct advantage in terms of cost and the stability of the reactor.

► Low frequency reactors have been shown to degrade dichlorvos completely under optimized conditions.
► Optimized concentrations of additive depends on the pollutant under question and type of reactor.
► Controlling mechanism for degradation of dichlorvos is the free radical attack.
► Combination of ultrasonic horn and Fenton’s chemistry is the best treatment approach.