Dye effluent decolourisation using ultrasonically assisted electro- oxidation

Solutions of the acidic dye, Sandolan Yellow, were subjected to sonolysis, electrolysis and sonoelectrolysis. Decolourisation did not take place using ultrasound alone but was achieved using an electro-oxidation process. The rate of electro-chemical decolourisation in the absence of ultrasound was dependent on the type of electrode used, electrolyte concentration, reaction temperature and the current density. Electro- oxidation of Sandolan Yellow using platinum electrodes was enhanced using ultrasound when carried out in a semi-sealed cell, which minimised the effects of ultrasonic degassing. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.