Removal of Halogenated Organic Compounds by Ultrasound Publisher



Malekpoor M ; Hadi M ; Nasrabadi MN ; Khanizadeh M
Source: Ultrasonic Treatment of Water and Wastewater: Removal of Biological and Chemical Pollutants and Combined Processes Published:2026

Abstract

Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) comprise a wide range of organic compounds which have one or more halogen atoms bonded to their carbon. These compounds are commonly found in aquatic environments, and they can be released through the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Although HOCs can arise from natural sources, the widespread industrial production of these compounds has raised environmental concerns. These compounds are generated during the synthesis of several products such as disinfectants, pesticides, plastics, paper, and dyes. To effectively eliminate organic halogens, advanced treatment methods are necessary as traditional treatment methods are not sufficient. A wide variety of treatment techniques can be applied to overcome the recalcitrant nature of these compounds, including biological, chemical, physical, physicochemical, biochemical, and electrochemical approaches. The biological treatment methods involve optimizing nutrient ratios and using selected microorganisms with relevant degradation capabilities. Physicochemical methods are a combination of both physical and chemical processes that can efficiently treat highly polluted wastewater from industries such as dye manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, municipal sources, and saline waste. Considering the incapability of conventional treatment techniques in complete removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from aquatic media, the urgent need of enhancing the available conventional techniques has made scientists to introduce new advanced methods. One of the most commonly advised tools which has been applied in combination of conventional treatment techniques is ultrasound (US) waves. This method can be used either alone or in combination with other purification techniques like advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), adsorption, etc. This chapter aims to provide a brief explanation on the underlying mechanism of US and other advanced methods in the degradation of HOCs in solutions. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.