Sonolytic degradation of endocrine disrupting chemical 4-cumylphenol in water

The sonolytic degradation of endocrine disrupting compound 4-cumylphenol (4-CyP) in aqueous solution was investigated. The influence of operating parameters for sonication process such as 4-CyP initial concentration, frequency, power, pH, temperature and saturating gas was examined. The extent of degradation was inversely proportional to the initial substrate concentration. The rate of 4-CyP degradation was frequency dependent. The degradation rate increased proportionally with increasing ultrasonic power from 20 to 100 W and temperature in the range of 20–50 °C. The most favorable degradation pH was acidic media. Destruction in the presence of saturating gas follows the order: argon > air > nitrogen. The 4-CyP degradation was inhibited in the presence of nitrogen gas owing to the free radical scavenging effect in vapor phase within the bubbles of cavitation. The ultrasonic degradation of 4-CyP was clearly promoted in the presence of bromide anions and the promoting effect on degradation increased with increasing bromide concentration. At low 4-CyP concentration (0.05 mg L−1), bicarbonate ion drastically enhanced the rate of 4-CyP degradation. Experiments conducted using pure and natural water demonstrated that the sonolytic treatment was more efficient in the natural water compared to pure water.

Research highlights
► The sonochemical degradation of 4-cumylphenol in aqueous solution was investigated.
► Effect of operating parameters on 4-cumylphenol sonolytic destruction was examined.
► The ultrasonic degradation of the pollutant was clearly promoted in the presence of bromide anions.
► At low solute concentration, bicarbonate ion drastically enhanced the rate of degradation.