Abatement of Industrial Sulfonic Pollutants by Ozone and UV Radiation

p-Toluenesulfonic acid has been used as a model compound for the degradative oxidation of sulfonic compounds found in industrial wastewaters. The effect of ozone and UV has been studied in both acidic and basic media. Experiments in the presence of t-butanol support the involvement of hydroxyl radicals. Two experimental setups have been employed for ozone oxidation of the pollutant; the experimental data fit theoretical expectations in both cases. Finally, the studies have been e xtended to the degradation of a commercial surfactant having a sulfonic acid structure, namely dodecylbenzenesulfonate.