Sonophotolytic diethyl phthalate (DEP) degradation with UVC or VUV irradiation

► Diethyl phthalate is the main micro-pollutant in the Han River of Seoul, South Korea. ► This study examined the sono, photo and sonophotolytic DEP degradation constants and synergistic effect. ► Sonophotolysis including a VUV lamp were found to be more effective on DEP degradation. ► Hence, this process can be considered as a pretreatment in drinking water systems. ► Moreover, this study provides information on sonophotolysis for the effective treatment of DEP.