Application of UV radiation or electrochemistry in conjunction with power ultrasound for the disinfection of water

Formerly power ultrasound was not considered economically viable for water treatment on an industrial scale. This was based on calculations involving direct scale-up of power consumption in small-scale laboratory experiments. Attitudes have changed with the installation of ultrasonic devices in operational water or sewage treatment plants. This work investigates the effect of the following disinfection treatments and provides greater knowledge of the fundamentals of disinfection through the production of hypochlorite in situ from saline solution via electrolysis (electrode materials: carbon (felt and graphite), copper & stainless steel rods) • 40kHz ultrasound • UV radiation (254nm) • UV radiation in conjunction with 40kHz ultrasound • Electrolysis (150mA) • Electrolysis (100mA) in conjunction with 40kHz power ultrasound. Results indicate sonication amplifies the effect of UV radiation or electrolysis. Combined treatments were significantly better than UV radiation or electrolysis alone. Results support a promising future for the application of sonochemistry in water treatment.