Ultrasonic Technology for Removal of Pesticides From Water and Wastewater Publisher



Rezvani Ghalhari M ; Dehghani MH ; Aghaei M ; Bashardoust P ; Hamidi F ; Hasanabadi M ; Khan NA
Source: Ultrasonic Treatment of Water and Wastewater: Removal of Biological and Chemical Pollutants and Combined Processes Published:2026

Abstract

One of the most concerning environmental issues that the whole world is dealing with is the ubiquitous presence of refractory emerging contaminants (ECs) in our limited fresh water resources. Pesticides are among the major categories of ECs, which have been reported to be found in rather high concentrations in water bodies. Due to their toxicity and bioactive nature, pesticides are capable of having more detrimental adverse effects on humans. Other ramifications of the presence of pesticides in water media include biomagnification, bioaccumulation, antibiotic resistance, reproductive impairment, etc. Since the conventional water and wastewater treatment techniques are incapable of complete removal of pesticides, the urgent need for applying advanced techniques has been felt, worldwide. In this regard, several new treatment methods like advanced oxidation processes, adsorption, etc., and combinational treatment techniques have been employed to enhance ECs degradation in water media. Ultrasound (US) is a novel, promising technology, capable of enhancing the degradation, and conversion of ECs and can be used either solely or in combinational and hybrid treatment techniques. This chapter briefly reviews the conducted studies in the field of degradation of pesticides using US-developed treatment techniques. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.